Recorded music revenue in the United States reached $5.97 billion in the first half of 2026, up 6.9% year over year, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The figure reflects wholesale value rather than estimated retail value.
Revenue by format#
- Subscription streaming: $3.11 billion, up 7.8% year over year
- Free streaming: $899.6 million, up 3.7%
- Other streaming: $639.4 million, down 2.1%
- Permanent downloads: $121 million, down 12.7%
- Vinyl: $543.8 million, up 17.7%
- CDs: $171.1 million, up 58.6%
- Other physical: $16.5 million, up 44.9%
- Sync: $231.8 million, up 18.2%
Streaming details#
Subscription streaming reached 111.1 million identified subscribers, up 5.5% year over year. Paid non-Premium streaming, including limited-interactivity plans, contributed $239.1 million, down 9% year over year. SoundExchange distributions, previously reported separately, are now grouped into the other streaming category.
The subscription total follows continued price increases, including new Spotify adjustments at the start of 2026.
Physical and download notes#
Permanent downloads’ album subcategory generated $53.8 million, down 3% year over year, the only download segment without a double-digit decline. Vinyl unit sales rose 20.9% to 26.5 million, while CD units sold increased 45.7% to 17.5 million. Other physical volume rose 73.4% to 1.6 million units.
Executive comment#
“As US music revenues continue to grow across formats, labels are strengthening connections between artists, fans and the platforms delivering creative work,” said Mitch Glazier, RIAA chairman and CEO. “That partnership is driving engagement in new and expanding ways to create opportunities that will lift up the entire music community for years to come.”
