According to Luminate's 2026 Midyear Report, U.S. vinyl record sales increased by 2.4% in the first half of the year. However, CD sales grew at a faster pace, surprising industry observers who had expected vinyl to maintain its dominance in physical music sales.
The report, released in July 2026, shows that CD sales outpaced vinyl in percentage growth, though vinyl still leads in total units sold. Luminate, which tracks music consumption data, noted that this trend reflects a broader shift in consumer preferences, possibly driven by pricing and nostalgia factors.
Industry analysts point to the affordability and durability of CDs as key reasons for the resurgence. Vinyl records, while popular among audiophiles and collectors, have become increasingly expensive due to production costs and supply chain issues.
Despite the slower growth, vinyl remains a significant revenue stream for artists and labels. The format's revival, which began over a decade ago, continues to contribute to the physical music market's resilience in an era dominated by streaming.
Luminate's report also highlighted that streaming remains the dominant format overall, with physical sales accounting for a smaller but stable share of the market. The full data set is available to subscribers on Luminate's website.
