Key facts
- US recorded music revenue reached $6.0 billion in the first half of 2026.
- Physical music revenue jumped 25.9% to $731.5 million.
- CD sales increased by 58.6%, and vinyl sales grew by 17.7%.
- Streaming revenue accounted for $4.9 billion, a 4.7% increase.
- Paid subscription revenue grew 6.4% to $3.4 billion.
U.S. recorded music revenue experienced a significant boost in the first half of 2026, climbing by 6.9% year-over-year to reach $6.0 billion, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This growth was largely propelled by a substantial 25.9% surge in physical music revenue, which totaled $731.5 million.
Within the physical media segment, compact discs (CDs) saw a remarkable 58.6% increase in revenue, while vinyl sales also continued their upward trend with a 17.7% rise. Despite the strong performance of physical formats, streaming remains the dominant revenue generator, accounting for $4.9 billion, a 4.7% increase from the previous year. Paid subscription revenue also contributed positively, growing by 6.4% to $3.4 billion.
Industry executives highlighted that these results indicate a healthy and diversified music market. RIAA CEO Mitch Glazier noted that labels are strengthening connections between artists and fans, fostering engagement across various platforms and formats. The resurgence of CDs is partly attributed to their lower cost compared to vinyl, with some reports suggesting that K-pop releases have also played a role in their increased popularity. While vinyl sales have seen a slowdown in growth compared to CDs, the format continues to expand.