CD sales are booming as physical media continues its resurgence

The RIAA says CD sales reached 17.5 million units in the first half of 2026, up 45.7% from the same period in 2025. Revenue rose 58.6% to $171.1 million, reversing a 22% decline from 2024 to 2025, while Luminate reported a similar rebound.

The surge suggests physical music is becoming a stronger complement to streaming, driven by collectors, nostalgia, merch strategies, and fans seeking ownership. While CDs remain far below their historic peak, the rebound points to a broader physical media revival that labels and artists may increasingly monetize.