Once thought to be on life support, vinyl records have not only survived but now they’re thriving. According to The Official Charts Company, in 2023, UK vinyl LP sales surged to 5.9 million units, marking an 11.7 % increase from the previous year and the largest annual growth this decade. That total represents the highest annual vinyl volume since 1990, and caps 16 consecutive years of growth.
The momentum didn’t stop there. In 2024, data shows vinyl sales rose again to 6.7 million units, up 9.1 % year-over-year, making it the strongest performing physical format in over 30 years. Overall physical music revenue also climbed, reaching 17.4 million units across vinyl, CD and cassette formats, marking the first growth since 1994.
Why vinyl is booming again?
1. Nostalgia and tactile appeal
Collectors and younger generations alike are drawn to vinyl’s tangible experience such as cover art, coloured discs, liner notes. In fact, the UK’s Office For National Statistics (ONS) reintroduced vinyl to its inflation basket in 2024, the first time since 1992, reflecting its regained cultural relevance.
2. Pop star-driven interest
High-profile vinyl releases such as Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) and The Tortured Poets Department have propelled sales, with some weeks reaching their highest levels since the early ’90s
3. Indie shop renaissance
Independent record stores are powering this revival. The number of UK indie record shops jumped from 339 in 2014 to 461 in 2023, now accounting for around 23 % of all music retailers
4. Retail acceptance
Mainstream retailers like WH Smith have reintroduced vinyl across outlets nationwide, responding to growing demand
5. Streaming synergy
Streaming acts as a gateway whereby listeners discover music online, then invest in vinyl, creating a unique feedback loop that benefits physical sales.
Vinyl is a legitimate heavyweight in today’s music ecosystem. Backed by cultural trends, star power, indie retail networks, and the streaming era, it’s now bigger than it’s been in 30 years.
