Vinyl and physical music formats have been a great success in 2025, and in April the Record Store Day reported the highest level of independent retail sales in three decades.
Many agencies and labels have since moved towards the use of materials such as BioVinyl and recycled plastic for manufacturing production. Key Production Group has predicted an increase in younger people shifting towards physical forms of music in an effort to pursue screen-free entertainment. Half of Gen Alpha alone are reportedly avid CD listeners and own record players and CDs.
This also introduces further opportunities for smaller artists, as 75% of fans specifically seek out and buy physical copies of music to support the artist. Special editions, box sets, and multi-formatting are all rising in popularity.
Key’s CEO Karen Emanuel shares her prediction, “Over the past year, we’ve seen a wave of bold and creative product designs–not least the Alpha Wolf box set, for which the Key Production team received a joint Grammy nomination. The ‘Boombox Boxset’ comprises multiple formats, including vinyl, CD, cassette, as well as a booklet and NFC tag for extra digital content. Looking ahead, I expect even more experimentation with textures, effects, and bonus features. Splatter vinyl, for example, was a standout element of the Alpha Wolf set, and it’s a format that has grown significantly in popularity.”
A comment from Key’s account manager Julia Völkel: “It’s clear that younger generations increasingly see vinyl as part of their broader musical experience. What’s striking is how much greater emphasis consumers now place on the visual impact of vinyl. In the 1990s, the sleeve was the main aesthetic feature, but today’s consumers want colored vinyl, striking artwork and bonus content.”
Photo Credits: breedmedia.com, medium.com
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