In 2024, a total of 32.9 million physical CDs were shipped in the United States. However, this figure marks a considerable decrease from a decade earlier, when shipments were still above 100 million. More than 900 million CDs were shipped in the United States at the turn of the millenium, 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. For five years now, music streaming revenue accounted for over 80 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 ***** percent between 2019 and 2021, amounting to just *** million in the most recent year. This number decreased further to just *** million in the U.S. in 2022. In 2013, sales amounted to ***** million units, a number which had already noticeably decreased from the *** 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 **** billion U.S. dollars, some **** 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 *** million units sold in 2007 to under *** 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 ***** billion U.S. dollars for the first time.

Data on vinyl album sales in the United States from 1993 to 2023 shows consistent growth since 2006, and in 2023 a total of **** million vinyl albums were sold, up by over ** percent from the previous year. LP/vinyl sales - additional information Vinyl records, or LPs (short for Long Play), dominated the music recording industry for most of the twentieth century, holding their own against cassette tapes between the 1970s and 1990s, but sales of the compact disc (or CD), introduced in 1983, outpaced LP sales by the end of the 1980s. LPs have been enjoying a comeback in recent years, and the vinyl record is the only format of music available that has recorded positive sales growth from 2009 to 2017. This is impressive, especially because the overall number of albums sold in all formats has been decreasing since at least 2007. This is not because music piracy is replacing music purchasing — in fact, a recent study showed that those individuals who engage in pirating have more legally purchased music in their collections than those who do not use P2P sites to share music.The LP market, while growing, is still a niche market. The number of vinyl records shipped in 2017 is significantly less than the number of CDs, partially due to the market for vinyl consisting mainly of DJs, collectors, and audiophiles. DJs prefer the LP to most other formats due to its versatility and the ability to directly manipulate the record. Many audiophiles and collectors argue that the sound quality of the vinyl record is better than that of digitally recorded music, and new releases of older albums, such as those by the Beatles and Jimi Hendrix, are particularly popular. Modern artists from Mumford & Sons to Justin Timberlake also utilize the LP format. Ed Sheeran's album ''Divide" sold a total of ** thousand units on vinyl in 2017.

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

The statistic presents data on music album sales in the United States from 2008 to 2014, broken down by genre. In 2014, **** million Latin music albums were sold in the U.S. The most popular genre of the year was rock with ***** million albums sold. Country music was still very popular in the United States: in 2014, ***** million country albums albums sold, outselling such genres as pop and dance. On the whole, there were ***** million music albums sold in the United States in 2015, a number which fell to just over *** million in 2016. Here you can find out which genres reported largest growth between 2009 and 2014.

Most popular music genre in the United States - additional information

Music made the transition from private pastime to a multi-billion industry as the widespread adoption of mass distribution channels, such as radio and TV, gained popularity over the years. Specialized music TV channels, such as MTV in the *****, added the visual aspect which enhanced the power of music. The internet then came to supply free videos on YouTube, as well as the gossip and the “who wore it better” columns, in order to craft industry superstars, like Beyoncé, Dr.Dre, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift. In fact, Taylor Swift is the musician with the highest payroll in the world; rock artists such as AC/DC, The Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen also appear in the top positions in the ranking.

The United States is not only home of many other internationally acclaimed artists, but it is also the origin of famous music genres such as jazz, country, blues, rock 'n' roll, hip hop, and pop. An online survey conducted in the U.S. points out that the most popular music genre in the U.S. is rock, with ** percent of respondents choosing this option. The second and third most listened to music genres are oldies and country respectively, while hip hop/rap is favored by a smaller niche of American listeners. Rock is also the favorite road trip music of American travelers. This preference is reflected in album sales, where rock albums have outsold all the other music genres since 2008.

However, the sales of physical music album reflect just part of the consumption of this particular genre in the United States. Physical albums account for about ** percent of rock’s music consumption, while ** percent of rock music consumers prefer digital formats, for instance, digital albums or streaming services. As the consumption of digital music gains popularity, sales of music albums of all genres have been sinking, going from *** million units sold in 2007 to around *** million units sold in 2016.

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.

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.

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 ** 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 2018, hip-hop and rap music accounted for 21.7 percent of total music consumption in the United States, more than double the percentage of R&B music sales. Other highly popular genres included pop and rock music, whereas just 1.1 percent of all music sold in the U.S. in 2018 was jazz.

Why are some genres more popular than others? 

Whilst music is a highly subjective medium in terms of the listener’s taste and preferences, the top genres in terms of consumption tend not to fluctuate heavily. The catchiness and familiarity of pop music is appealing to a wide range of music fans. Pop songs tend to be easy to listen to and remember, usually feature simple, snappy lyrics to avoid polarizing listeners, making pop overall less divisive than other genres because it is designed to generate mass appeal.

Conversely, religious music by its very nature is a niche genre in that it encompasses, describes or advocates certain beliefs, giving it the equal ability to alienate some listeners while appealing enormously to others, depending on their religious stance.

The hit genre of 2018 was hip-hop and rap, a music style notorious for its tendency to divide listeners. Singer Drake arguably influenced sales within the genre that year, with ‘Scorpion’ topping the list of best-selling albums in the United States based on total streams and ‘Scary Hours’ also making the top ten. Drake came tenth in the list of most successful music tours in North America, with revenue from his live concerts amounting to 79 million U.S. dollars, and second in the ranking was Jay-Z and Beyoncé with 166.4 million dollars in revenue, artists whose music is also strongly aligned with the rap and hip-hop genre.

Other artists in the genre who achieved significant influence in 2018 include Kendrick Lamar, Childish Gambino, Cardi B, Travis Scott and Post Malone, many of whom released songs that year which garnered hundreds of millions of audio streams. The sheer amount of hip-hop and rap music flooding the music industry has had a profound effect on the genre’s popularity, and musicians in the category tend to be prolific songwriters and active social media users. Equally, artists in the genre are arguably passionate about creating music which challenges social norms in a way that rock music has always been famous for.

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 statistic shows the unit sales of CDs worldwide from 1991 to 2015. In 2015, approximately *** million units of CDs were shipped globally, a decline from over ***** in 2004.

In 2024, the South Korean K-pop boyband BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, sold around 341,500 copies of their albums. All of their group sales came from their older albums or re-releases that year, as members focused on solo releases and completed their mandatory military service. The group is known as the biggest boyband in South Korea and has fans all over the globe. The BTS phenomenon BTS, also known as ‘Bangtan Boys’ (or Bangtan Sonyeondan in Korean), formed in 2010 and had their debut in 2013. Several years after their debut, the seven-member K-Pop boyband became one of the biggest bands in the country, which ultimately led to international success. The group went on seven world tours, released three concert movies in cinemas all over the world, and broke several records on a national and international basis. Their fanbase, known as “A.R.M.Y.”, is known for being one of the most active fan clubs on social media. Because of their international success, BTS has been awarded the Order of Cultural Merit by president Moon Jae-In. K-pop idol cultureK-pop, short for South Korean popular music, is a genre of pop music originating in South Korea. While the term describes songs of a variety of music styles, it developed an “idol culture” that proved to be successful both in South Korea and around the globe. K-pop idols are famous for being good-looking, fashionable, and highly trained in both singing and dancing. Music videos are often colorful and feature powerful dance choreographies. Individuals that are hoping to become a K-pop idol sign with agencies, preferably one of the leading companies, and dedicate years into their training before they might be able to debut in a boy or girl group. Due to high standards in the industry, K-pop labels are known to enforce strict rules on both trainees as well as idols.

How many Tesla vehicles were delivered in 2025? Tesla's vehicle deliveries in the first quarter of 2025 amounted to around 336,700 units. Quarterly deliveries decreased by around 32.1 percent during the first quarter of 2025, compared with the fourth quarter of 2024. Between October and December 2024, deliveries crossed the 495,500 unit threshold, a new record for the brand. World's most valuable brand As of March 2025, Tesla was the most valuable brand within the global automotive sector. The brand was over double the brand value of Toyota, which was second in the ranking. April 2025 also recorded Tesla among the ten leading companies in the S&P 500 Index based on market capitalization, with a market cap around 798.1 billion U.S. dollars. Tesla enters the mainstream segment The initial rise in Tesla's market value was largely due to the release of its top-selling Model 3. The Model 3 was Tesla’s successful attempt to tap into the mainstream segment. By 2024, this Model consistently ranked among the world’s best-selling all-electric vehicle models, along with the bestseller Model Y. The Model 3 faces tough competition from other Tesla models, including the Model Y and the refreshed Model S Plaid.

The U.S. auto industry sold nearly ************* cars in 2024. That year, total car and light truck sales were approximately ************ in the United States. U.S. vehicle sales peaked in 2016 at roughly ************ units. Pandemic impact The COVID-19 pandemic deeply impacted the U.S. automotive market, accelerating the global automotive semiconductor shortage and leading to a drop in demand during the first months of 2020. However, as demand rebounded, new vehicle supply could not keep up with the market. U.S. inventory-to-sales ratio dropped to its lowest point in February 2022, as Russia's war on Ukraine lead to gasoline price hikes. During that same period, inflation also impacted new and used car prices, pricing many U.S. consumers out of a market with increasingly lower car stocks. Focus on fuel economy The U.S. auto industry had one of its worst years in 1982 when customers were beginning to feel the effects of the 1973 oil crisis and the energy crisis of 1979. Since light trucks would often be considered less fuel-efficient, cars accounted for about ** percent of light vehicle sales back then. Thanks to improved fuel economy for light trucks and cheaper gas prices, this picture had completely changed in 2020. That year, prices for Brent oil dropped to just over ** U.S. dollars per barrel. The decline occurred in tandem with lower gasoline prices, which came to about **** U.S. dollars per gallon in 2020 - and cars only accounted for less than one-fourth of light vehicle sales that year. Four years on, prices are dropping again, after being the highest on record since 1990 in 2022.

The album sales ranking of female artists in the United States is led by Mariah Carey. She sold ** million albums as of October 2023. Barbara Streisand comes in second place with **** million album units. Sales include digital sales, permanent track downloads (ten equal one album), and streams (***** streams count as one unit).

In 2024, CD Projekt Group generated over 263.72 million U.S. dollars in revenue (985.03 million zloty). The revenues in 2020 are a result of the Cyberpunk 2077 game being released in December 2020. In 2015, the Polish game developer and publisher generated approximately 205 million U.S. dollars in revenue, mainly owing to the release of the third installment of the Witcher series that became available on the market in May 2015. The company reported 25 million U.S. dollars in revenues in the previous year.