CD Sales Surge 45.7% in First Half of 2026

CD sales in the United States have surged in the first half of 2026, according to a new report from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The organization recorded 17.5 million CDs sold between January and June, a 45.7 percent increase over the 12 million units sold in the same period in 2025. In dollar terms, revenue rose 58.6 percent to $171.1 million, reversing a 22 percent decline that had occurred from 2024 to 2025.

The RIAA’s findings are corroborated by independent research firm Luminate, which released a July report showing 16.3 million CD units sold in the first half of 2026. Both sources point to a renewed consumer interest in physical media, despite the broader industry trend toward digital and streaming formats. The data suggest that collectors and niche markets are driving the rebound, while the overall market continues to fluctuate.

Industry analysts note that the recent uptick could signal a temporary resurgence rather than a sustained shift away from digital consumption. Nevertheless, the 2026 figures represent the strongest first‑half CD sales in more than a decade, underscoring the enduring appeal of tangible music formats in an increasingly digital landscape.