Vinyl Record
An analog audio storage medium made of PVC, played on a turntable, that has seen a major resurgence in popularity.
Definition
A vinyl record (or vinyl) is an analog sound storage medium consisting of a flat disc made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with inscribed grooves that a turntable's stylus (needle) reads to reproduce sound. Available in 12-inch LP (33⅓ RPM), 7-inch single (45 RPM), and other formats, vinyl records were the dominant music format from the 1950s through the 1980s before being displaced by CDs and digital formats.
Since the 2010s, vinyl has experienced a remarkable resurgence, with annual sales growing consistently and now representing a significant portion of physical music revenue. Modern vinyl releases often include colored vinyl, gatefold artwork, and bonus content.
Why It Matters
Vinyl's resurgence represents a broader trend of audiences valuing physical, tactile music experiences alongside digital convenience. For artists and labels, vinyl releases command premium prices ($25-$40+) and higher profit margins than streaming, making them an important revenue stream.
The vinyl market also drives collector culture and fan engagement. Limited-edition pressings, variant colors, and exclusive releases create urgency and community among fans, serving as both merchandise and marketing tools.
Examples in Practice
An independent artist presses 500 limited-edition colored vinyl copies of their album, selling them at $35 each — generating $17,500 in revenue, more than their first year of streaming royalties.
A record label releases a deluxe vinyl box set with colored discs, a poster, and bonus tracks for $80, selling out 10,000 copies in 24 hours and generating more revenue than the album's first month on streaming platforms.
A vinyl-only release builds exclusivity and buzz for an artist, with fans sharing unboxing photos on social media that generate organic promotion worth more than the production cost.