Gen Z is the “driving force” of vinyl’s current popularity, survey finds
Gen Z’s enthusiasm for vinyl has pushed the format from its longtime “revival” status into the successfully “revived” category, according to a new survey by the Vinyl Alliance calling the generation the “driving force” in vinyl’s popularity.
The global vinyl industry nonprofit collective has polled more than 2,500 music fans about their physical media habits to find that 76% of 18-to-24-year-olds reported buying a vinyl record at least once per month, with 80% owning a record player — shutting down the unsubstantiated chatter than younger vinyl buyers were buying records to possess only as a collectible.
Half of Gen Z respondents said they enjoyed listening to vinyl because “it provides a break from digital life”, with a close 49% of Millennials agreeing, followed by just 34% of Gen X music fans.
The survey also reports that the in-person shopping experience at record stores is still highly valued, with 84% of Gen Z vinyl buyers doing so and 57% saying its their preferred shopping method.
“It’s still being said vinyl’s undergoing a ‘revival’, but after 17 consecutive years of growth it’s time to recognise vinyl has revived and is firmly a part of how fans consume music today,” Vinyl Alliance general manager Ryan Mitrovich said in a press statement. “…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.”
On the point of vinyl’s accessibility, nearly one-third of Gen Z vinyl fans reported buyer fewer records, or none at all, due to the rising costs of the format. A British Phonographic Industry survey from January 2024 found that, on the artists’ side, pressing vinyl has become too expensive for the majority of independent artists.
A Key Production study from April 2024 found that Gen Z are listening to music via physical formats (vinyl, CDs and cassettes) more than any other generation.
