CD sales are booming as physical media continues its resurgence

The Recording Industry Association of America reports CD sales rose to 17.5 million units in the first half of 2026, a 45.7% increase over the same period in 2025 and generating $171.1 million in revenue, up 58.6% year-over-year. Research firm Luminate corroborates the surge, noting 16.3 million CDs sold in the same six-month span after a 22% decline from 2024 to 2025.