Gen Z listen to more vinyl, CDs and cassettes than any other age group, survey shows

A new survey has found that Gen Z are listening to more vinyl, CDs and cassettes than any other age group.

The study, carried out by the UK’s biggest vinyl packaging firm Key Production, found that 59% of surveyed 18-24-year-olds reported listening to physical music releases. This was a significant increase on the 40-45% reported by 25-34, 35-44, 45-54 and 55-65 age groups.

Additionally, when asked about buying CDs, the 18-24 bracket sat alongside the 45-54 age group in leading the pack, with 34% of those surveyed reporting doing so.

Another key finding of the survey was that 18-24-year-olds were most willing of the age groups to pay a small premium on buying vinyl LPs if the records were to be produced with a proven reduced impact on the planet. The figure for that age bracket stood at 71% of surveyed people.

Sales in the vinyl market rose in 2023 for a 16th consecutive year. Among the best-selling vinyl artists of the year include Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey and Arctic Monkeys.

Karen Emanuel, CEO of Key Production said: “It’s hugely promising to see younger generations listening to physical music. We know vinyl and CDs are popular again but it’s encouraging that it’s not the generations who grew up with them! From the warmer audio quality, to the beautiful artwork and holding a physical record in your hands – buying physical music formats just can’t be matched and it makes me happy that younger people recognise this too and are embracing the analogue music experience.”

The willingness to pay a premium on more sustainable products among the older age groups was also considerable, but to a lesser degree: 54% of 25-34-year-olds; 45% of 35-44 and 45-54-year-olds; and 41% of 55-65-year-olds.

The findings come ahead of this weekend’s Record Store Day, which takes place on Saturday, 20th April. In February, Kate Bush was confirmed as a Record Store Day ambassador for this year’s edition of the annual event.

Earlier this month, the British Phonographic Industry revealed that 39% of vinyl records sold in 2023 were independently released.