In 2023, a total of 37 million physical CDs were shipped in the United States. However, this figure marks a slight decrease from 37.7 million in the previous year. More than 900 million CDs were shipped in the United States in 2000, but the product has experienced a large decline in popularity in general since. Physical music sales Seen as the successor to vinyl records and cassette tapes, compact discs or CDs were one of the most popular prerecorded music formats for much of the 1990s and early 2000s. Competition, first in the form of digital music formats and then streaming, has led to a massive decline in total album sales, with the CD format being hit particularly hard. As of 2022, only 25 percent of people stated that they had used physical music such as CDs within the past year. In 2021, music streaming revenue accounted for around 83 percent of total industry revenue partially thanks to the ability of these platforms to provide users with instant access to an endless online library of music which can be enjoyed via any device at any time. While most physical album sales have suffered, vinyl albums have experienced a resurgence in recent years. The format’s total sales figures increased significantly in each year since 2010.

Annual music album sales in the United States dropped by roughly three percent between 2019 and 2021, amounting to just 109 million in the most recent year. This number decreased further to just 100 million in the U.S. in 2022. In 2013, sales amounted to 289.4 million units, a number which had already noticeably decreased from the 331 million units sold in 2011.

Annual music album sales - additional information

The past decade has brought along many changes, both technological and societal, which have forever changed the face of the global music industry. Today, music superstars, such as Beyonce, who was the highest paid musician in the United States in 2016, have money, coverage in all possible mediums, and power like never before. However, as of 2015, the worldwide revenue generated by the music business stood at 16.1 billion U.S. dollars, some nine billion less than in 2002.

It seems that the internet, the magical tool that is responsible for the creation of so many music celebrities, might also be responsible for the dismal statistics surrounding the sale of music albums in the United States, once the main revenue stream in the business. As the data shows, annual music album sales in the United States have plummeted from 500 million units sold in 2007 to under 170 million units sold in 2017. At the same time, digital music revenues, especially from album and single downloads, as well as subscription and streaming services, have been steadily growing in the past years. The fall in record sales is attributed to the rise of illegal music downloading, but also to legal services, which provide music products without the additional costs of production and shipping.

Despite changes in the way Americans acquire music, U.S. consumers still enjoy and value music industry products. Recent studies show that more consumers are choosing to use a legal alternative to file sharing, mainly digital music streaming services, such as online radio services like Pandora and Spotify. Additionally, musicians reorient themselves from album sales towards live performances and business deals to boost their incomes. As of 2017, the sales revenue from concert tickets in North America was at an all-time high, with revenue hit eight billion U.S. dollars for the first time.

In 2022 in Australia, the total value of CD albums sold reached 19.53 thousand Australian dollars. This represents a drop from the previous year when it amounted to 23.96 thousand Australian dollars, and a continued year-on-year downward trend.

CDs in Australia

Back in time, the introduction of compact disks in the early 1980s completely changed the way Australians listened to music. Australia saw a peak in CD sales in the late 1990s, however, the rise of online music downloads and digital streaming services has resulted in a sales drop. In 2022, the wholesale sales volume of CD albums sold in Australia totaled around 1.8 million units, which marked a decrease from the previous year. The sales volume of CD albums sold has been on the decline since 2016. Despite this, CDs continue to be the favored choice for audiophiles and music collectors who like the tactile feel of physical media and its higher sound quality.

Music consumption diversity

Digital technology has changed Australia's music-listening practices, making them more varied and innovative. The rise of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music gives users rapid access to a huge music library. In 2020, the digital music distribution market in Australia reached around one billion Australian dollars and is projected to increase to around 1.4 billion Australian dollars by 2024. Furthermore, vinyl records are becoming increasingly popular again among collectors and audio enthusiasts who value the nostalgic warmth and analog quality they offer. In 2022, Australia saw a sales increase of approximately one million vinyl records, marking a continued uptrend over the past five years. Overall, the Australian music scene provides a wide range of opportunities to experience the global language of music, from live concerts and various records to internet streaming.

Compact Disc Market Outlook

The global compact disc market size was valued at approximately USD 1.6 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to reach USD 1.2 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -3.0% over the forecast period. This decline is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of digital formats and streaming services, which have become the preferred medium for audio and video consumption. Despite the overall downward trend, certain niche markets and segments still demonstrate potential for growth, particularly within specific regions and applications where compact discs retain a degree of relevance due to their reliability and simplicity.

The resilience of the compact disc market in certain sectors can be attributed to its enduring appeal in regions with limited internet access or technological infrastructure. In these areas, compact discs remain a vital medium for distributing music, software, and other digital content. Additionally, there is a consistent demand from audiophiles and collectors who value the physical ownership and audio quality offered by premium audio CDs, which continue to drive a small segment of the market. Educational institutions also represent a stable demand group, as many still rely on CDs for distributing educational materials, especially in areas where broadband connectivity is inconsistent.

Another growth factor for the compact disc market is the preservation and archival needs of certain industries. Many businesses and institutions continue to use CDs for data storage because of their durability and longevity, which are critical for archival purposes. Furthermore, the music industry has witnessed a resurgence of interest in physical media, including vinyl and CDs, driven by nostalgia and the tangible experience they provide. This trend is particularly evident among independent artists and smaller music labels, who often use CDs as a cost-effective method to distribute music during live events and through direct sales channels.

Additionally, the eco-friendly recycling initiatives and innovation in CD production processes have contributed to sustaining interest in compact discs. New technologies in disc manufacturing aim to reduce the environmental impact and improve the quality of CDs. These advances offer opportunities for market participants to differentiate their products and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Improved recycling processes also contribute to a circular economy model, which can enhance the value proposition of compact discs as a sustainable choice for consumers and businesses alike.

Product Type Analysis

Within the compact disc market, the product type segment is divided into audio CDs, data CDs, and video CDs, each serving distinct purposes. Audio CDs, despite the rise of digital music, still hold a special place for audiophiles and music enthusiasts who appreciate the high-quality sound that physical discs provide. This segment benefits from a niche yet loyal consumer base that values the album artwork, liner notes, and the tactile experience of owning a physical copy. Additionally, limited edition releases and reissues of classic albums on audio CD often drive sales within this category, as collectors seek to acquire these tangible pieces of music history.

Data CDs, on the other hand, are primarily used for data storage and transfer. While their usage has diminished with the advent of cloud storage and USB flash drives, they remain relevant in situations where internet access is limited or non-existent. Businesses and educational institutions that require secure and reliable data transfer solutions continue to rely on data CDs for distributing software, training materials, and other critical information. Moreover, the enduring reliability of CDs for long-term data storage, without the risk of data corruption associated with some digital storage solutions, keeps them in demand for archiving purposes.

Video CDs have seen a decline in popularity with the proliferation of DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and streaming services. However, in certain markets and applications, they remain in use due to their simplicity and low cost. Regions with less advanced technological infrastructure still rely on VCDs for video distribution, especially for educational and training materials. Additionally, some content creators in niche markets favor VCDs for their affordability and ease of production, which makes them accessible to a broader audience.

The overall market for compact disc products is characterized by a mix of declining demand in some areas and s

In 2024, just **** million digital albums were sold in the United States. This marks a decline of almost ** percent as compared to the previous year, when **** million digital albums were sold. Digital album sales peaked in 2012 and 2013, but have been dropping ever since and have even fallen drastically below the figures recorded prior to 2010.

This report analyses the number of music albums sold in the United Kingdom. The data is sourced from the Official Charts Company in addition to estimates by IBISWorld. The figures represent the total sales volumes of CDs, vinyl and digital albums over each calendar year. Figures do not include album streams on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music.

In 2024, around 92.7 million music albums were sold in South Korea. This includes both domestically sold albums, and those sold overseas by certified vendors. It also represents a roughly 20 percent decrease since the previous year, which had seen record sales. While digital music streaming is popular in the country, buying physical albums is particularly popular among K-pop fans, which helps drive physical album sales.

The statistic shows the current versus catalogue music album sales for CDs in Canada from 2016 to 2017. During the last reported period current CD album sales in Canada amounted to 47 percent of total album sales. This figure represents a one percent decrease from the previous year.

This ranking presents data on sales volume of physical music CDs in European countries in 2014. According to the data provided by IFPI, Germany ranked highest with a total of approximately 87 million units sold in 2014. Countries with the second- and third-highest recorded music sales volume by physical units were the United Kingdom and France.

In 2022, the sales volume of physical music in Finland was roughly 328 thousand packages, reaching 4.23 million euros in revenue. CD sales declined constantly overall from 2017 to 2022, while vinyl record sales increased during the past years.

The global compact disc (CD) market, while facing significant decline in recent years due to the rise of digital music streaming and downloads, maintains a niche presence, particularly in certain segments. While precise figures for market size and CAGR are not provided, a reasonable estimation can be made based on industry trends. Considering the mature nature of the CD market and its steady decline, let's assume a 2025 market size of $500 million USD. Given the ongoing shift towards digital formats, a conservative Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of -5% is projected for the forecast period of 2025-2033. This reflects a continued, albeit slow, contraction of the market. This shrinking market size is driven by the persistent dominance of digital music platforms, offering consumers greater convenience and extensive music libraries. However, certain CD segments, such as those related to archiving or audiophile-quality music reproduction, may experience slower decline rates. The market is also segmented by type (CD-ROM, Recordable CD, ReWritable CD, Video CD, Others) and application (Commercial, Family use). Key players like Mitsubishi Kagaku Media, Sony, and Ritek continue to compete, focusing on specialized applications and high-quality production to cater to the remaining demand. The regional distribution likely shows stronger performance in developing economies with less developed digital infrastructure. The future of the CD market hinges on its ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences. While complete market displacement is highly probable, there's potential for niche markets to remain viable. This could involve focusing on archival needs, high-quality audio production for enthusiasts, or specialized applications such as software distribution in regions with limited internet access. Companies will need to strategically focus on innovative product offerings or target specific consumer segments to maintain market share, acknowledging the unavoidable long-term contraction of the overall market. Understanding these segment-specific dynamics is crucial for navigating the ongoing transition and identifying sustainable business models within this evolving landscape.

China EP Sales: CD Player data was reported at 3,675.144 Unit th in 2007. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4,520.170 Unit th for 2006. China EP Sales: CD Player data is updated yearly, averaging 446.242 Unit th from Dec 1996 (Median) to 2007, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 4,520.170 Unit th in 2006 and a record low of 22.138 Unit th in 1998. China EP Sales: CD Player data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The data is categorized under Global Database’s China – Table CN.RFA: Electronic Product Sales.

China EP Sales: Compact Disc Drive: CD Rom data was reported at 73,904.038 Unit th in 2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 62,500.000 Unit th for 2010. China EP Sales: Compact Disc Drive: CD Rom data is updated yearly, averaging 23,950.931 Unit th from Dec 2000 (Median) to 2011, with 12 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 73,904.038 Unit th in 2011 and a record low of 1,776.755 Unit th in 2008. China EP Sales: Compact Disc Drive: CD Rom data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The data is categorized under Global Database’s China – Table CN.RFA: Electronic Product Sales.

China Product Sales Rate: Year to Date: Vol: Digital CD & VCD Player data was reported at 100.900 % in Dec 2015. This stayed constant from the previous number of 100.900 % for Sep 2015. China Product Sales Rate: Year to Date: Vol: Digital CD & VCD Player data is updated quarterly, averaging 99.400 % from Mar 2005 (Median) to Dec 2015, with 44 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 108.200 % in Mar 2015 and a record low of 91.100 % in Mar 2010. China Product Sales Rate: Year to Date: Vol: Digital CD & VCD Player data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Industrial Sector – Table CN.BB: Industrial Sales: Product Sales Rate: by Product.

The global compact disc (CD) market, while experiencing a decline in recent years due to the rise of digital music streaming and downloads, maintains a niche presence driven by specific applications. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $2 billion, reflecting a steady, albeit modest, Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2% from 2019 to 2024. This growth is primarily fueled by the continued demand for archiving purposes, particularly within commercial sectors for data storage and some segments of the music industry, such as collectors and audiophiles who value the physical quality of CDs. Furthermore, the use of CDs in educational settings, particularly for software distribution in areas with limited internet access, contributes to market stability. The market is segmented by application (commercial, family), and type (CD-ROM, recordable CD, rewritable CD, video CD, others). Key players such as Mitsubishi Kagaku Media, Sony, Ritek, and others compete in this market, focusing on specialized manufacturing techniques and distribution channels to cater to the remaining demand. Geographic distribution shows a higher market concentration in North America and Europe, reflecting established markets with a higher proportion of consumers who may have pre-existing CD collections and players or who require CDs for specific archiving needs. However, emerging markets in Asia-Pacific exhibit modest growth, primarily driven by specific commercial applications. The restraining factors for the CD market include the continued dominance of digital music streaming services, cost-effectiveness of digital formats, and the decreasing production of CD players. While the overall market size is relatively small compared to other media formats, its persistence highlights the niche needs it continues to fulfill. Future growth will likely depend on innovative applications of CD technology, perhaps incorporating it within specialized archival or data security systems, rather than relying on continued reliance on its traditional use cases. The forecast period of 2025-2033 suggests a gradual, consistent market trajectory, with projected annual growth largely mirroring past trends. While a dramatic resurgence is unlikely, the CD market shows signs of stabilized survival within a clearly defined, though shrinking, niche.

In 2024, South Korean K-pop boy band Stray Kids sold approximately 5.9 million album copies. Since debuting in March 2018, the group has sold a total of almost 27 million album copies, with 2023 being their best year. Pioneers of the Next Wave of K-Pop Stray Kids is an eight-member boy band formed through a reality show of the same name by JYP Entertainment in 2017. The group debuted in March 2018 with the album “I am NOT” and the title track “District 9.” Since then, they have shown steady growth in album sales over the past years, rising in popularity among K-pop groups. In 2023, two of Stray Kids’ albums ranked in second and fourth place on the list of top ten best-selling boy group albums in South Korea, competing alongside popular boy band SEVENTEEN. JYP Entertainment’s success JYP Entertainment is one of the big four South Korean companies in the entertainment industry, managing artists such as TWICE, 2PM, Day6, ITZY, and NMIXX. JYP's sales revenue has gradually increased over the years, peaking in 2023 with a revenue of over 500 billion South Korean won. Among the four major entertainment companies, JYP ranked fourth as a leading K-pop entertainment company, with revenue expected to grow further. The company debuted one new artist in 2024, a Japanese boy group named NEXZ.

Global CD Player market size 2025 was XX Million. CD Player Industry compound annual growth rate (CAGR) will be XX% from 2025 till 2033.

The sales volume of CDs in Finland declined from around 2.51 million packages in 2014 to less than 150,000 in 2024. As of 2024, roughly 148,000 CDs were sold, decreasing slightly from the previous year. CD sales made up the second-largest share of all physical audio record sales in Finland.

The global personal CD player market, while facing the challenges of digital music streaming's dominance, demonstrates surprising resilience. The market, estimated at $500 million in 2025, is projected to experience a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3% from 2025 to 2033, reaching approximately $650 million by 2033. This growth, albeit modest, is fueled by several key drivers. Nostalgia for physical media among audiophiles and collectors is a significant factor. The perceived superior audio quality of CDs compared to compressed digital formats, particularly for certain genres, continues to attract a dedicated customer base. Furthermore, the resurgence of interest in vinyl records has indirectly boosted the market for CD players, as many consumers seeking a physical music experience also appreciate the convenience and broader availability of CDs. The market segmentation reveals a slightly higher preference for single CD players (60% market share in 2025) over dual CD players, reflecting the needs of individual listeners. Online sales currently account for 40% of the market, while offline sales channels maintain a 60% share, highlighting the importance of physical retail stores, particularly for audio equipment demonstrations and consultations. Significant regional variations exist. North America and Europe currently hold the largest market shares, driven by higher disposable incomes and a stronger presence of established audio brands. However, emerging markets in Asia Pacific are expected to show gradual growth over the forecast period. The primary restraints on market growth include the continued dominance of streaming services and the decreasing production of new CDs. Competition among established brands like TASCAM, Denon, Marantz, Numark, Yamaha, Pioneer, VocoPro, ADJ Products, Galaxy Audio, and Rolls Corporation is intense, with each focusing on differentiating their products through features such as enhanced audio quality, design aesthetics, and added functionalities. The industry is likely to see further consolidation in the coming years, as smaller players struggle to compete with the larger, more established brands.

China Record Medium: Product Sales Ratio: Year to Date data was reported at 95.240 % in Aug 2011. This records an increase from the previous number of 95.200 % for Jul 2011. China Record Medium: Product Sales Ratio: Year to Date data is updated monthly, averaging 97.820 % from Feb 2009 (Median) to Aug 2011, with 29 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 99.940 % in Mar 2010 and a record low of 94.590 % in May 2011. China Record Medium: Product Sales Ratio: Year to Date data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bureau of Statistics. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Industrial Sector – Table CN.BHK: Printing and Record Medium Reproduction: Record Medium.