Several reports this week have claimed vinyl sales in the US have dropped 33% YoY. According to Vinyl Alliance, this is not the case.

This week, several headlines claimed that vinyl sales in the United States had dropped by a staggering 33.3% year over year (YoY) in 2024. However, Vinyl Alliance has stepped in to correct the narrative, stating that vinyl sales are actually on the rise. So, what’s really happening with vinyl records in 2024?

Reports from various media outlets, including Headphonesty, Consequence Media, and NME, have suggested that vinyl sales are in decline, citing Billboard’s weekly music consumption report. These articles argue that the industry is seeing a significant downturn in the popularity of physical media like vinyl, with a 33.3% YoY decrease in sales. Due to vinyl’s consistent YoY growth, in the US and UK, this data came as a big surprise, resulting in the hasty reports.

These figures certainly have the potential to cause concern for many fans of vinyl records, as well as independent musicians and record labels who rely on physical media sales for revenue. However, Vinyl Alliance, an organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting the vinyl industry, has called these reports misleading.

According to a Linkedin post from Vinyl Alliance, US vinyl sales have actually increased by 6.2% through the first three quarters of 2024. They attribute the misunderstanding to a change in the way physical media sales data is reported by Luminate, the data source actually used by Billboard. Starting in 2024, Luminate made adjustments to account for changes in sales patterns, such as the growing influence of niche stores and independent sellers. This new model means that a direct YoY comparison isn’t accurate unless these changes are taken into account.

This change in methodology has made it difficult to accurately compare vinyl sales data year over year, leading to the false statistic that many outlets have reported.

In their statement, Vinyl Alliance criticised the way this information has been presented, accusing the articles of spreading misinformation without fully understanding the context. They emphasise that Luminate’s new reporting model has been well-documented, and even reported on by Billboard earlier this year. Despite this, the failure to explain the changes properly has led to a false narrative.

Vinyl Alliance has expressed frustration over how the incorrect data could damage the vinyl industry. As the popularity of vinyl records has surged in recent years, such negative headlines could discourage potential buyers, independent artists, and record labels. Vinyl Alliance is urging media outlets to correct the misinformation and has invited journalists to reach out to them directly for accurate data before publishing future reports.

The reality is, vinyl continues to thrive in 2024. Despite challenges in manufacturing and distribution, vinyl remains a beloved format for music lovers and collectors alike. This is particularly true for independent artists, who often use physical media and merch sales as a way to engage more deeply with their fans and earn revenue outside of streaming platforms.

Pledging to watch this space closely, Vinyl Alliance is committed to correcting any false narratives and protecting the accuracy of data within the music industry. In the meantime, vinyl lovers can rest assured that their favourite physical format isn’t going anywhere.