Most trends eventually make their resurgence, which has officially happened with vinyl records. For the first time since 1987, vinyl records have outsold CDs in the United States. According to the 2022 Year-End Music Industry Revenue Report, 41 million records were sold, compared to 33 million CDs.
Over the past decade, streaming has taken over as the primary source of music listening due to its accessibility and affordability. Streaming still makes up nearly 85 percent of all music listening, however, the physical music industry has changed significantly.
Starting in 1987, CDs began to take over vinyl sales. Recently, vinyl records have started to gain more popularity, especially with younger audiences. Popular artists such as Taylor Swift have included vinyl records in their marketing and have advertised them as collector’s items. January 2017 marked the highest number of records sold since 1991. Vinyl sales have grown due to their novelty, the comeback of record stores, and online sales.
As popular artists continue to promote record sales, vinyl sales will continue to grow. The comeback of records also helps to support local record stores, vinyl pressing plants, and emerging artists, as physical purchases financially support artists more than streaming.