Global vinyl record market resurgence

The global music market is seeing a sustained resurgence in analog music consumption. Data from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) indicates that vinyl revenues grew by 13.7% globally in 2025, marking 19 consecutive years of growth for the format.

In Brazil, vinyl accounts for 76% of physical media sales, with rare records commanding high prices due to scarcity. Similarly, in Australia, the Australian Recording Industry Association reported that over 1.2 million vinyl albums were sold in 2025, generating $46.3 million in wholesale revenue. This represents a 4.1% increase from the prior year and accounts for more than two-thirds of the nation’s physical recorded music revenue.

Beyond music consumption, the format has gained popularity in Australia as a home décor element. Collectors in regions like Sydney’s Inner West describe the hobby as a “treasure hunt” for a tangible connection to artistry, often using colorful album artwork by framing sleeves or utilizing open shelving for display. To preserve these collections, experts from the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia recommend storing records upright in cool, dry conditions to prevent damage from heat or sunlight.

Technically, the Long Play (LP) format relies on sound being physically etched into a continuous spiral groove. A standard 12-inch LP playing at 33 ⅓ RPM typically holds approximately 22 to 23 minutes of audio per side, which often limits a single record to between 8 and 10 songs.