CD sales are up thanks to superfans, Gen Z and affordability

“Unbelievably, the sales revival is being led by Gen Z buyers. In fact, 43% of all buyers are under 35 years old. And why are they buying CDs in the first place? According to Headphonesty: Nostalgia and Novelty: For many Gen Zs, CDs are a physical link to a time they barely knew, creating a sense of both nostalgia and novelty. Artist-Driven Demand: Big releases from popular artists have made people interested in CDs again. For example, Taylor Swift’s ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ sold 2.47 million CD copies in the first half of 2024. Physical Ownership: In a time when digital things can disappear, owning a physical copy of an album appeals to many music fans. Audio Quality: Some listeners prefer the uncompressed sound of CDs over streaming or compressed digital files. Affordability: Compared to vinyl, CDs are still a cheaper way to build a physical music collection.”