Vinyl Records Experience Resurgence in 2025, Driven by Generation Z

Vinyl records have seen a strong revival in 2025, propelled by increasing interest from Generation Z. A survey by the Vinyl Alliance, which included over 2,500 respondents aged 18–24 from the U.S., UK, and Germany, found that over three-quarters purchase vinyl regularly, and nearly a third consider themselves collectors. The study also highlighted that many young consumers are motivated by a desire to disconnect from digital media and are drawn to the unique sound quality of vinyl. Social media, particularly Instagram, has played a significant role in popularizing the format's visual and nostalgic appeal.

Independent record stores have benefited from this renewed interest. In the UK, the number of such shops has grown from 339 in 2014 to 461 by 2023. That same year, vinyl generated £177 million in sales, making up more than half of all physical music purchases, with 6.5 million LPs sold. Store owners have observed a demographic shift, with a younger and more gender-diverse customer base embracing vinyl culture.

The format’s popularity is also reflected in 2025’s sales charts. Albums by artists such as Sam Fender, Taylor Swift, and Sabrina Carpenter have led vinyl sales. Swift's "Midnights" (2022) stands as the UK’s top-selling vinyl album of the last decade, with 129,000 units sold. She holds three of the top four positions in decade-long vinyl sales.

This resurgence indicates a broader trend where younger listeners are embracing more tactile, immersive forms of music consumption in contrast to the intangibility of digital streaming.

— Compiled from verified information via Gearnews, Euronews, Official Charts, The Times UK, and Vinyl Alliance.