The U.S. recorded music industry experienced a notable revenue increase in the first half of 2026, driven in large part by a surge in CD sales, according to data released Tuesday by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Total recorded music revenue grew 6.9 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching $6 billion.

Physical music formats saw a significant boost, with revenue from physical sales rising 25.9 percent to $731.5 million. This increase was largely propelled by a 58.6 percent jump in CD revenue and a 17.7 percent rise in vinyl sales. The resurgence in CD demand highlights a renewed consumer interest in retro music formats, complementing the ongoing revival of vinyl records that has encouraged more artists to offer albums in physical form.

Despite the growth in physical sales, streaming remained the dominant source of income, generating $4.9 billion in revenue, a 4.7 percent increase year over year. Within streaming, paid subscription services contributed $3.4 billion, marking a 6.4 percent rise from the previous year.

Matt Bass, an executive at the RIAA, described the results as indicative of a "healthy, diversified marketplace," suggesting that the music industry is benefiting from multiple revenue streams amid changing consumer preferences.

The data underscores the evolving landscape in music consumption, where digital platforms continue to dominate but interest in tangible formats like CDs and vinyl is experiencing a notable revival.