U.S. Recorded Music Revenue Rises 6.9% in H1 2026 as CD and Vinyl Sales Surge

A surprising surge in CDs and vinyl has pushed U.S. recorded‑music revenue up 6.9% year‑over‑year to $6.0 billion in the first half of 2026, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The lift was powered by a 25.9% jump in physical‑format sales, a 4.7% rise in streaming revenue, and a 6.4% increase in paid‑subscription income.

Physical‑format sales accounted for the bulk of the growth, reaching $731.5 million. CDs led the charge, climbing 58.6% to $452 million, while vinyl followed with a 17.7% increase to $279 million. The data confirm that consumer interest in retro formats has expanded beyond vinyl, which has long been a staple of the industry’s revival. The RIAA said the results point to a “healthy, diversified marketplace” that supports continued investment in artists and new ways for audiences to experience music.

Streaming, the dominant source of recorded‑music income, grew 4.7% to $4.9 billion. Paid‑subscription services—including Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music—contributed $3.4 billion, up 6.4% from the same period in 2025. The steady rise in subscription revenue indicates that listeners remain willing to pay for on‑demand access, even as physical sales rebound.

The CD resurgence is notable because the format had been in decline since the early 2000s. After the rise of digital downloads and streaming, CD sales had fallen sharply. The recent increase suggests that collectors and fans of high‑fidelity audio are returning to the medium, possibly spurred by limited‑edition releases and the broader trend of nostalgia‑driven consumption.

Vinyl continues to grow, but its share of physical revenue is now smaller than that of CDs. While vinyl revenue grew 17.7% to $279 million, CD revenue surged 58.6% to $452 million. The vinyl revival, which began in 2007, has maintained momentum, yet the CD market’s rebound indicates that physical formats remain diverse.

Overall, the first‑half 2026 figures illustrate that the U.S. music‑industry ecosystem is not dominated by a single format. Physical sales, streaming, and subscription services each contributed to the 6.9% rise in total revenue. The RIAA’s analysis suggests that the market remains resilient and that artists and labels can continue to explore multiple distribution channels.