In 2022, for the first time since 1987, vinyl albums outsold audio CDs in the United States. A new domination which is confirmed since the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) observed the same phenomenon for the year 2023.
43 million vinyl records were sold in 2023, or 6 million more than CDs. An overrun which reflects the seventeenth consecutive year of growth for vinyl, a more expensive format which generates greater turnover ($1.4 billion) than that of CDs (537 million).
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Streaming remains the driving force of the industry with 14.4 billion dollars in turnover, or 84% of total American turnover , including subscription services, free services (with ads), digital radios, social networks, etc. Note, however, that the share of the streaming market is identical last year, confirming the relative sustainability of physical formats.
And if you are curious, also know that 500,000 audio cassettes were sold in 2023. Source: Billboard.
