techcrunch.com
Sep 4, 2026
CD sales are making an unexpected comeback amid a retro tech boom
AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication
The RIAA reports a surprising resurgence in CD sales, with first‑half 2026 revenue hitting $171.1 million—an increase of 58.6% from $107.9 million in the same period last year—and 17.5 million units sold, up 45.7% from 12 million units in 2025. This rebound follows a steep decline in 2025, when CD revenue fell 7.8% year‑over‑year. The uptick aligns with a broader retro‑tech revival, as Gen Z seeks simpler, non‑smart devices and physical media like vinyl and CDs.
💡 Why It Matters
- · The CD revival signals a shift toward tangible media, challenging the dominance of streaming and hinting at a broader consumer pivot away from algorithm‑driven platforms.
