Vinyl Music Sales in the US Surpass $1 Billion: A Resurgence in Physical Music Formats
Vinyl music sales in the United States have reached a significant milestone, surpassing US$1 billion in a single year for the first time in over 20 years. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) reported that vinyl purchases totaled US$1.04 billion in 2025, showcasing the format's resurgence from being considered outdated.
The report highlighted that vinyl has experienced 19 consecutive years of growth, indicating a sustained demand for physical music formats despite the prevalence of streaming services. In 2025, an estimated 48.5 million new vinyl units, including LPs and EPs, were sold, surpassing CD sales, which stood at 29.5 million units during the same period.
While streaming remains the dominant force in the music industry, vinyl's resurgence is a notable trend. Vinyl now accounts for nearly 10% of the market, a significant share for a format that was once thought to have limited mainstream appeal.
The US$1 billion milestone signifies a remarkable growth trajectory for vinyl. From generating US$224.9 million in revenue in 2016, the format has seen a substantial increase of over US$800 million in annual sales over the past decade. The post-pandemic years have seen a particularly sharp rise in revenue, with sales climbing from US$426.6 million in 2020 to US$679.4 million in 2021, and continuing to rise in subsequent years.
Taylor Swift emerged as a key driver of vinyl sales in 2025, with her album "The Life of a Showgirl" selling approximately 1.6 million copies on vinyl. Other notable artists contributing to vinyl sales included Sabrina Carpenter and Kendrick Lamar, with their releases "Man's Best Friend" and "GNX" selling around 292,000 and 272,000 copies, respectively. Classic albums like Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours" and Michael Jackson's "Thriller" also maintained strong sales figures.
The popularity of both new releases and timeless classics underscores the diverse appeal of vinyl to music enthusiasts. Whether for collecting, appreciating artwork, enjoying the ritual of listening, or connecting with music history, vinyl has transcended its niche status to become a significant part of music consumption.
The latest RIAA data indicates that vinyl's resurgence is not merely a nostalgic trend but a fundamental shift in how fans engage with and purchase music. Despite the dominance of streaming platforms, the continued growth of vinyl sales reflects a desire among listeners for tangible, personal formats that hold enduring value and significance.