Home Industry Vinyl Alliance reveals how Gen Z has committed to buying records
Vinyl Alliance reveals how Gen Z has committed to buying records
Vinyl Records
Courtesy of DawBell PR

Vinyl Alliance reveals how Gen Z has committed to buying records

Home Industry Vinyl Alliance reveals how Gen Z has committed to buying records

While the digital streaming era continues to be a disruption for the music industry, fans have yet to give up on physical media. A recent study from Vinyl Alliance reveals how a younger generation is contributing the most to this resurgence.

In the years since Napster first appeared and sent the music business into a spiral, positive changes have been made from a digital standpoint, but there are still many areas of concern for labels and artists alike. Thankfully, after a long lull in physical albums being purchased, CDs, cassettes, and vinyl records are making a comeback amongst listeners. This rising trend is exciting for fans and artists and has evoked plenty of data and studies to determine the factors behind this trend and the demographics leading the way. The team at Vinyl Alliance dove into the topic and discovered that Gen Z is leading the way in this vinyl purchasing trend.

In collecting their data, the team at Vinyl Alliance received over 2,500 respondents leading them to see incredible trends from those aged 18 to 24. Within the Gen Z demographic, over 80% own a turntable and purchase records to listen to, not just to keep as collectible items. Beyond that, three-quarters admit to buying albums monthly with 29% claiming to be “die-hard collectors.” Discussing the trend, Ryan Mitrovich, General Manager at Vinyl Alliance says, “Gen Z vinyl fans are buying records for a multitude of reasons, which shows their interest isn’t a superficial trend, but that they are truly passionate. Vinyl is Gen Z’s ticket to a different music experience and they’re taking it seriously, so it’s time we took Gen Z seriously as vinyl fans and collectors.” 

Escaping the digital era

Although streaming platforms aren’t going anywhere, the continued rise in physical sales shows that fans appreciate the warmth and experience that comes with buying music. Within the study, over half of Gen Z respondents say they listen to vinyl to take a break from digital music, which is more than Millenials (49%) and Gen X (34%). Further striking in the study is that 61% of Gen Z are more likely to replace their digital habits to help with mental health compared to Millenials and Gen X who sit at 53% and 27% respectively.

These numbers are great and industry insiders hope to see them continue but the report also notes how rising costs of living as well as the vinyl itself can be a barrier to future generations continuing to shop for records. Be sure to visit the official Vinyl Alliance website to learn more.

Latest magazine
December 30, 2024
Magazine
  • Tech It Deep / Sem Vox: Cover Story
  • Top 100 Tracks of 2024
  • Top Labels of 2024
  • Best Albums of 2024