Despite vinyl records being considered a “luxury item” for Gen Z, a report from Vinyl Alliance found that 80% of Gen Z respondents own a record player, and 76% buy records at least once a month. The Vinyl Alliance surveyed 1,100 people aged 13-28, along with 552 millennials and 500 Gen Xers from various countries, including the UK, US, and Germany.
Gen Z participants cited many reasons for their love of vinyl, and it appears they value owning records more than millennials and Gen Xers do. As with many trends among Gen Z, TikTok has played a significant role – numerous social media creators educate and entertain each other through a shared passion for records. This has led to 56% of respondents appreciating vinyl for its aesthetic appeal.
However, there are also deeper reasons behind Gen Z’s love for vinyl. About 65% purchase records to support their favorite artists, recognizing that digital streaming provides less revenue. Additionally, 35% agree that owning vinyl is a mark of a “true fan.”
“People might buy a record, then attend a show, meet the artist, get it signed, chat, and capture it all for social media. This unique experience creates a bond between fan and artist like no other,“ said Craig Evans, owner of Blood Records.
Gen Z also values vinyl for its impact on mental health. Half of the respondents (50%) said that listening to records gives them a break from digital life, and 61% are likely or very likely to replace digital habits with vinyl listening to improve their well-being. They emphasized the advantage of uninterrupted listening – free from ads and notifications – stating that “vinyl forces you to pay attention in a different way. There’s a ritual to the experience. Once you bring that intentionality into it, it becomes a different listening experience.”
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In the past three years, vinyl sales have seen significant growth, providing a major boost to both major artists and smaller musicians struggling to earn from their work. While some streaming service owners and record labels don’t always prioritize the artists who make their platforms possible, it’s encouraging to see that new generations of consumers recognize the importance of supporting their favorite musicians – as well as the unique, irreplaceable sound of vinyl.
