Album sales

Album sales in 2025 are estimated to reach 107.4 million units, indicating a continued recovery in the market for physical music formats. Growth is driven by rising consumer interest in vintage media, particularly vinyl records, along with new albums from major artists. This resurgence follows years of volatility, as appetite for tangible music media has bolstered sales, especially for physical collectors' editions and limited releases. Vinyl records appeal to both nostalgic older buyers and younger consumers seeking a tangible connection to artists, strengthening album sales through 2025.

Between 2020 and 2025, album sales have experienced fluctuations and shifts in consumer behavior. Following the economic reopening in 2021 after COVID-19 restrictions, album sales surged by 30.6% to 113.3 million units, breaking a decade-long trend of declining sales. This spike reflected increased interest in physical media, driven by exclusive content and nostalgia. LP/EP sales grew by 67.3%, underscoring the importance of physical formats to dedicated fans. However, macroeconomic pressures in 2022 and 2023, especially inflation, reduced disposable income and led to cautious spending. Sales declined to 103.4 million in 2022 and 101.1 million in 2023 as consumers prioritized essentials over discretionary spending, despite interest in vinyl and collectibles. A renewed focus on vintage media and anticipated releases in 2024 supported a modest rebound, with sales at 105.8 million units, showing how economic factors and media consumption shifts impact overall sales.

Over this five-year period, demand for streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music has posed a significant challenge to album sales, offering widespread, low-cost access to music. High-speed internet facilitated the shift from album purchases to streaming, reducing full album sales volume. Digital sales, once bolstered by online purchasing, have been increasingly overtaken by streaming. Yet, the enduring popularity of physical formats among collectors has counterbalanced declines in digital and CD sales, underscoring niche demand for tangible music products.