CDs are experiencing a spectacular resurgence in popularity in the United States. In the first half of 2026, CD sales rose by 58.6 percent, according to the latest report from the RIAA, the Recording Industry Association of America. This growth is occurring in a market where streaming still accounts for the bulk of revenue, while revealing the public’s continued interest in physical media.
In the first six months of 2026, CDs generated $171 million in revenue. Their growth outpaced that of vinyl for the first time in a decade in the United States. Several factors may explain this trend, ranging from a sentimental attachment to the physical medium to advantages related to the manufacturing process.
CD sales soar in the United States
The first half of 2026 marked a sharp acceleration for compact discs in the U.S. market. With a 58.6% increase in sales, their growth far exceeded that of vinyl, which nonetheless rose by 17.7% over the same period.
This trend takes on a special significance after several years during which vinyl was the main focus of attention surrounding the resurgence of physical media. For the first time in a decade in the U.S., CD sales are growing at a faster rate than those of vinyl records.
Revenue from all physical formats totaled $731.5 million. This reveals CDs are playing a direct role in this trend and are regaining a more prominent position in the U.S. recorded music market.
Physical media is gaining ground over digital downloads
The resurgence of the compact disc coincides with another market trend: the decline in paid digital downloads. These fell by 12.7% in the first half of 2026. Listening habits are organized around two major trends: streaming on one hand, and physical media on the other.
The CD also caters to an interest in the physical object of music. Unlike a digital file, the disc is a tangible medium that the listener can keep, handle, and add to a collection. Purchasing a CD also fits into a model distinct from that of streaming: access to music is based on ownership of the physical medium, regardless of the distribution agreements between platforms and rights holders.
The sale of a CD also generates revenue directly tied to the purchase of the album, with the distribution of that revenue depending on the contracts between artists, labels, and distributors. For some artists, this model can therefore provide compensation that is more directly linked to the sales of their music.
Streaming remains the main driver of the music market
Despite the dramatic surge in CD sales, streaming still plays a central role in the U.S. music industry. Platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and TIDAL generated $4.3 billion in revenue during the first six months of 2026.
Overall, the U.S. market generated $6 billion in revenue, representing a 6.9% increase year-over-year. Physical media therefore complement the revenue generated by online streaming and serve as another growth driver for record labels.
The CD also has several advantages when it comes to production. Its pressing costs remain moderate, and its production lead times are shorter than those for vinyl. These characteristics make production easier for labels and support the current rise in demand.
In summary
With a 58.6% increase and $171 million in revenue in the first half of 2026, CDs are making a strong comeback in the U.S. market. Their growth even outpaces that of vinyl, which has been riding a new “neo-vintage” wave for the past 10 years. While streaming remains the sector’s primary driver with $4.3 billion in revenue, the CD’s momentum nevertheless illustrates the enduring interest in physical formats. The next step will be to observe how this trend evolves in other markets, particularly in Europe.
