It is time for another Music Biz Chat, and this time I want to step outside the UK and take a proper look at what’s happening in the United States—because something quite remarkable has just happened.
Vinyl sales in the USA have crossed $1 billion for the first time in over 40 years.
Now just pause on that for a moment. The last time vinyl hit that kind of figure was back in 1983. That was a completely different world. There was no streaming, no downloads, no digital ecosystem as we know it today. Physical media wasn’t a niche—it was everything. So for vinyl to reach that level again in 2025, in a landscape dominated by streaming, is genuinely significant.
But here’s the key point—this isn’t a one-off spike.
This is the result of 19 consecutive years of growth.
It would be very easy to say, “Oh, this is just nostalgia—older collectors buying Fleetwood Mac or Michael Jackson.” And yes, albums like Rumours and Thriller still appear in the charts, which tells you something about the enduring power of those records.
But that’s not what’s driving this.
What’s driving this is new music fans.
Young listeners are buying vinyl—modern pop, rock, soul, R&B—albums released now, not just catalogue titles. They’re discovering music through streaming, but choosing to own what they love. And that’s a really important distinction.
Streaming is discovery.
Physical music is commitment.
The Power of Physical Connection
I’ve been talking about this on Now Spinning Magazine for years now—the idea that physical media offers something that digital simply can’t.
It’s not just about sound.
It’s about connection it is about community.
When you buy a record—especially from an artist you’ve seen live or interacted with online—you’re buying into their story. You’re part of that journey. Whether it’s through Bandcamp, a band’s website, or a limited edition pressing, there’s a sense of ownership and identity.
You put the record on, you sit down, maybe with a cup of tea, and you listen. Properly listen. No scrolling. No distractions. Just you and the music.
The Numbers Tell a Bigger Story
- $1.04 billion in vinyl revenue
- Around 48–49 million vinyl albums sold
- Around 29 million CDs sold
Now, we often hear that vinyl is leading because it’s more expensive—and yes, that’s true when it comes to revenue. But here’s the important part:
Vinyl is also outselling CDs in units.
And don’t forget, that 29 million CD figure doesn’t include the second-hand market—Discogs, eBay, record fairs. CDs are still very much alive, especially when it comes to box sets, deluxe editions, and reissues—which I’ll be diving into in the next Music Biz Chat.
Collectability Is Driving the Market
One of the biggest drivers behind vinyl’s success is something we all understand in this community—collectability.
Different editions.
Coloured vinyl.
Exclusive artwork.
Bonus tracks.
Limited runs.
And in a world where everything is available instantly and endlessly, there’s real value in owning something finite.
I think this proves something very important. Physical media isn’t going away.
All those predictions that everything would move entirely to streaming? They haven’t come true. In fact, what we’re seeing is a hybrid model:
- Streaming for discovery
- Physical for ownership
And when there’s over a billion dollars on the table, you can be absolutely certain the industry is paying attention.
What Happens Next?
For me, the really interesting question is what happens next.
Vinyl is leading the way—but CDs are still selling in serious numbers. And I genuinely believe there’s more that can be done with CDs in terms of packaging, bonus content, and collectability.
That’s exactly what I’ll be exploring in the next episode—the CD box set and reissue market, and what “limited edition” really means in 2026.
Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine
