U.S. CD Sales Surge 45.7% in First Half of 2026, RIAA Report Shows

On September 6, 2026, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) released its first‑half 2026 recorded‑music revenue report, revealing a startling 45.7 % jump in compact disc (CD) volume to 17.5 million units and a 58.6 % rise in wholesale revenue to $171.1 million. While vinyl and other physical formats also grew, the CD rebound stands out as the most dramatic shift in the U.S. physical‑format market.

The RIAA’s figures diverge from those published by Luminate Data, a consumer‑sales analytics firm. Luminate reported 16.3 million CDs sold in the first six months of 2026, a 16 % increase over 2025. Its methodology relies on retail sales and incorporates the impact of K‑pop collectible releases, which drive a large share of the uptick. Even when K‑pop titles are excluded, Luminate still records a 6.7 % rise in CD sales.

The discrepancy stems from differing measurement approaches. Luminate tracks consumer purchases at retailers and supplements the data with its own modeling, whereas the RIAA reports wholesale sales net of returns. The RIAA’s method aligns with international reporting standards and reflects new commercial units shipped to retailers, not the secondary market of used CDs sold on Discogs, eBay, or in record stores.

Physical‑format revenue in the United States rose 25.9 % in the first half of 2026 to $731.5 million. Vinyl accounted for 26.5 million units and $543.8 million in wholesale revenue, up 20.9 % and 17.7 % respectively. Other physical formats—cassettes, SACD, and other small‑format releases—together sold 1.6 million units and generated $16.5 million, up 73.4 % and 44.9 % respectively. Streaming, however, remains the dominant income source, reaching $4.89 billion and representing about 82 % of total recorded‑music revenue.

The CD’s resurgence is not solely a K‑pop phenomenon. Luminate’s analysis shows that CD sales grew 6.7 % even without K‑pop releases, indicating a broader revival of the format. The price differential between CDs and vinyl—approximately $9.78 wholesale per CD versus $20.52 per vinyl—provides an affordable entry point for collectors and listeners who want a physical copy without the premium cost of a new LP.

New hardware has also helped fuel the CD comeback. Full‑size CD players such as the Marantz CD 70, NAD C 589, and Accuphase DP‑470, as well as portable players from FiiO, Shanling, and Moondrop, have entered the market. These devices, ranging from $100 to $4,000, offer features such as balanced headphone outputs, Bluetooth, USB DAC operation, and CD ripping, making the format accessible to audiophiles who value the tactile experience of a disc.

Vinyl remains the larger format in terms of revenue. According to Luminate, its growth rate in the first half of 2026 is only 2.4 %, compared with 16 % for CDs. The difference reflects vinyl’s established market and the higher price point of new LPs, which often range from $30 to $40 or more.

The data also show that physical formats are growing alongside streaming rather than in opposition to it. Streaming accounts for the majority of recorded‑music revenue, yet physical sales continue to rise. This pattern suggests that consumers are not choosing between streaming and ownership; instead, they are using streaming for discovery and convenience while purchasing physical media for collectibility, permanence, and a tangible connection to artists.

The RIAA’s updated methodology and the new mid‑year report provide a clearer picture of the U.S. physical‑format market. While CDs have not surpassed vinyl, the 45.7 % jump in volume and 58.6 % rise in wholesale revenue underscore a significant shift in consumer behavior. The industry will continue to monitor how these trends evolve as new hardware, packaging, and marketing strategies shape the future of physical music.