CD sales are booming as physical media continues its resurgence

There’s some real gems in there. | Photo: Terrence O’Brien / The Verge According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), CD sales exploded in the first half of 2026. A new report from the organization says 17.

5 million CDs were sold in the first six months of the year, up from just 12 million during the same period in 2025. That's a jump of 45. 7 percent, and 58. 6 percent in dollars, which reached $171. 1 million.