Why young people are buying CDs they might never play
Physical music is finding a new audience among Gen Z, but for many buyers, the appeal is ownership, collectability and escape from algorithms.
Compact discs (CDs) are experiencing a revival among younger generations, despite the dominance of streaming services. According to market research firm Luminate, CD sales in the United States increased by 16% in the first half of the year, reaching 16.3 million units. This surge is largely driven by Generation Z and millennials. Interestingly, about half of these younger CD buyers do not possess a device capable of playing them.
K-pop has significantly contributed to this trend, with elaborately packaged albums often including photo cards, posters, stickers and multiple collectible editions. These features transform a CD release into a more engaging fan package. Even excluding K-pop, CD sales still rose by 6.7%, indicating the trend extends beyond a single fandom.
The affordability of CDs compared to vinyl and their ease of storage may also be attracting younger buyers. In the UK, department store John Lewis reported a 96% increase in searches for CD players since July. The renewed interest in physical media is part of a broader movement against entirely digital entertainment. Some consumers prefer CDs, DVDs, and other physical formats because they offer control over their viewing and listening experiences.
Others are frustrated by streaming services removing favorite titles without notice. One collector summarized the appeal: "If you can't hold it, you don't own it."
Physical media also encourages listeners to engage with albums more deliberately, often resulting in complete listens rather than skipping through playlists. This shift is evident in Kuala Lumpur's record shop SputnikRekordz, where many younger customers are rediscovering vinyl, CDs, and cassettes. Founded by Naza Mohammad, the shop believes physical formats hold appeal for listeners who desire a more deliberate engagement with music.
Despite the noticeable resurgence, streaming remains the dominant force in the music industry, accounting for approximately 82% of US recorded-music revenue in the first half of 2026. The shift towards physical media appears to be altering the role of CDs and other tangible formats, offering artwork, packaging, collectability, and the satisfaction of owning something tangible.
For a generation accustomed to virtually limitless music accessible through their phones, CDs provide an alternative that aligns with their desire for tangible connections to their favorite artists.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
