Why is vinyl still popular in 2025?

At a time when music is mainly consumed through streaming, a format that many believed obsolete continues to attract: vinyl. In 2024, vinyl record sales increased again by 12% in France, confirming a trend that has lasted for more than a decade. How can we explain this persistent enthusiasm for a medium that is over 70 years old?

The resurgence of vinyl: an unexpected cultural phenomenon

Vinyl, which appeared in the 1950s, dominated the music market for nearly four decades before being gradually supplanted by CDs in the 1990s. However, against all odds, this medium has been experiencing a spectacular renaissance since the mid-2000s.

The figures speak for themselves: in France, more than 5.4 million vinyl records were sold in 2023, now representing 45% of the physical music market. This trend is confirmed on a global scale, with continuous sales growth.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect remains the profile of buyers. While historical collectors are still present, a new generation, mainly composed of 18-35 year olds, is embracing this format. These "digital natives" paradoxically seek a more tangible and authentic listening experience.

The unique advantages of vinyl

The sound quality of vinyl remains one of its main attractions. The analog sound, with its unique characteristics - a certain warmth, natural dynamics, a particular depth - offers a listening experience different from digital. Purists especially appreciate the subtleties and nuances that a good vinyl system can reproduce.

Beyond the sound aspect, vinyl appeals through its physical dimension. The large-format album cover constitutes a true art object, allowing full appreciation of the artists' graphic work. The often detailed liner notes enrich the musical experience by contextualizing the work.

Listening to a vinyl record also involves a whole ritual: taking the record out of its sleeve, gently cleaning it, positioning the tonearm... This series of gestures creates a special moment, a pause in our hyper-connected daily life. The listener is invited to a more attentive, more engaged listening experience, far from the constant zapping encouraged by streaming.

Vinyl: a collectible and investment object

Vinyl has also established itself as a prized collectible. Some rare editions can reach considerable sums on the second-hand market. First pressings, limited editions, or promotional versions are particularly sought after by collectors.

The second-hand market is also booming. Flea markets, specialized record stores, and online platforms allow enthusiasts to unearth gems. This "vinyl hunting" is an integral part of the pleasure for collectors.

Record labels have understood this well and now offer high-quality audiophile pressings: 180-gram vinyl, remastered editions, carefully crafted packaging... These premium editions meet a growing demand for quality and exclusivity.

Vinyl in the streaming era

Contrary to popular belief, vinyl and streaming are not in opposition. The majority of vinyl buyers also use streaming platforms. Each format caters to different uses: streaming for discovery and mobile listening, vinyl for a more immersive experience at home.

This complementarity reflects a new way of consuming music. Vinyl allows for the materialization of favorites discovered through streaming, tangibly supporting appreciated artists. In an increasingly dematerialized musical world, it represents a physical anchor, a form of return to the roots.

Conclusion

The persistent popularity of vinyl is not just a simple nostalgic trend. It reflects a quest for authenticity and quality in our relationship with music. In an increasingly digital world, vinyl offers a different, more engaging and more sensory experience.

The future prospects of the format seem assured, driven by a new generation of enthusiasts and an industry that has reinvented itself. Vinyl thus continues to write its history, proving that technological innovation and traditional formats can coexist harmoniously in our cultural practices.