Nearly half of Gen Alpha are listening to CDs and vinyl

From more than 2000 respondents, 46% of those born after 2010 say they're listening to CDs and vinyl, suggesting a generational shift back toward tangible music experiences.

The research, conducted by music manufacturing agency Key Production also revealed that more than half know how to use a CD player, with a smaller amount of familiarity with a record player; these are skills once thought to be fading with older generations.

While Generation Z has helped grow a resurgence in physical music sales in recent years, the latest findings suggest Gen Alpha is also playing a role. In 2024, the UK saw the first increase in two decades, a 1.4% rise in physical music, with vinyl sales continuing to grow and CD sales declining more slowly.

The survey also points to a shift in how families are approaching music and technology. 20% of parents say they prefer their children to listen to music on smartphones, with most favouring physical formats.