Sales of CDs in the U.S. have experienced a surprising resurgence in the first half of 2026. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) revealed that CD revenue soared by 58.6% to $171.1 million, with 17.5 million units sold, marking a significant turnaround from the declines seen in 2025. Last year, CD revenue fell 7.8% to $312.4 million and unit sales dropped 11.6%, indicating that the physical music format was still struggling before this rebound.

This comeback is part of a broader trend favoring retro and simpler technologies, including dumbphones, typewriters, landlines, vinyl, and digital cameras. Gen Z consumers, in particular, are driving demand by seeking out nostalgic gadgets they missed growing up, preferring tech that offers less intrusion and fewer addictive features compared to modern smartphones and apps. Startups and companies like Tin Can, Ooma, and Minimal are tapping into this demand by offering updated versions of old-school devices targeted at families and kids.

Physical media revenues overall also benefited from this retro revival, with combined physical format revenue climbing 25.9% in the first half of 2026 to $731.5 million. Vinyl sales grew 17.7%, further highlighting a growing appetite for tangible music experiences in an increasingly digital world. While RIAA revenue figures adjusted their calculation methods in 2025 complicate direct comparisons, the rise in CD units sold confirms genuine interest resurgence rather than just accounting shifts.

Though the CD comeback remains unexpected in the streaming era, the trend underscores a cultural shift towards appreciating tactile entertainment and simpler technology interactions. Alongside retro gadgets making a comeback, this momentum may encourage more innovation and market entries catering to consumers’ growing yearning for less connected and more controlled tech experiences.