Why This is Great News for Music Fans
For years, many of us wondered whether physical music—vinyl records, CDs, even cassettes—would slowly fade away, replaced entirely by streaming. But according to a new report from Music Week and the Vinyl Alliance, something incredible is happening:
Generation Z is now the driving force behind the resurgence of vinyl and CDs.
Yes, the same generation that grew up in a digital world, surrounded by streaming services and instant access to music, is now choosing physical formats in increasing numbers. This is something to celebrate—not just for the music industry, but for the sense of community and connection that comes with collecting physical music.
Let’s take a closer look at the report and what this means for music lovers of all ages.
Young People Are Buying More Vinyl & CDs Than Ever
The report surveyed 2,500 people aged 18-24, and the findings were surprising:
- 76% of Generation Z buys vinyl records.
- 80% of them own a record player.
- 30% consider themselves “die-hard collectors.”
- A growing number are also buying CDs, particularly due to the rising cost of vinyl.
What makes this so fascinating is that this generation wasn’t raised on physical music. Unlike previous generations, who grew up with LPs, cassettes, or CDs, Gen Z was born into a world of digital downloads and streaming.
For many of them, physical music was never a necessity—it’s a choice. And that choice says something important about what they value.
The Power of Community: Why Buying Music Matters
One of the most exciting findings from this report is that 84% of young music fans prefer to buy their music in record shops rather than online.
Why? Because they want to be part of a community.
Think about it—this is the first generation to grow up with social media, yet many feel disconnected in real life. Buying a record in a shop, flipping through album covers, and talking with other fans creates a real-world connection that streaming simply can’t provide.
This reminds me of why I started Now Spinning Magazine. I wanted to talk about music with other people who felt the same way. I missed the days of going into a record shop, chatting with other fans, discovering new bands, and leaving with an album under my arm. It was about belonging to something bigger than yourself—and that’s exactly what Gen Z is rediscovering.
Why Physical Music Still Matters
For many of us, owning music is part of the experience. It’s not just about listening—it’s about:
The artwork – Holding an album in your hands, flipping through the booklet, reading the lyrics.
The ritual – Placing a record on the turntable, pressing play on a CD, sitting down and listening without distractions.
The emotional connection – A physical album becomes part of your life’s memories, something you can hold onto.
This report highlights that younger fans are craving this tactile experience, just like we did. It’s why they buy second-hand records, seek out classic albums, and build their own collections—not just for the music, but for the history and nostalgia.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Music Collecting is Bright
Not long ago, many believed that physical music was dying. Even I started to wonder if CDs and vinyl would eventually disappear.
But now? The future looks brighter than ever.
Yes, streaming still dominates, and it’s not going anywhere. But the fact that so many young people are embracing physical formats means that record shops, CD collections, and the excitement of buying music will live on for generations to come.
So, to all the Gen Z music fans out there: Welcome to the world of collecting! It’s a wonderful journey, and we’re thrilled to have you here.
What Do You Think?
Are you surprised that Gen Z is leading the vinyl and CD resurgence?
Do you still prefer physical music over streaming?
What was the first album you ever bought?
Let me know in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going!
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
