CD sales in Australia hit a four-year high in 2025 as the recorded music industry achieved its seventh consecutive year of growth.
New Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) figures show growth across physical and digital formats with wholesale sales rising 1.4 percent to $727 million during the year.
This “slowed but sustained growth” was consistent with patterns across Europe where steaming service demand was starting to saturate.
“Physical music was the standout performer in 2025, surging 11 percent to $67.9 million,” ARIA said in a statement.
“CD revenue climbed 29.6 percent to $21.0 million – its strongest level since 2021 – with unit sales also rising to more than 1.5 million discs, suggesting renewed consumer appetite for the format.
“Vinyl album revenue grew 4.1 percent to $46.3 million on the back of more than 1.2 million unit sales, and the format continues to account for most physical revenue at 68.2 percent.”
ARIA said music subscription services continued to be the dominant force, representing 71.0 percent of Australia’s total music market at $517 million.
ARIA Chief Executive Officer, Annabelle Herd said the figures reflected the ongoing connection Australians had with music.
The surge in physical sales showed that fans wanted to engage with music in deeper, more tangible ways.
“We are also seeing the rapid development of artificial intelligence globally,” Ms Herd said.
“AI presents genuine new opportunities for the music industry – and AI licensing deals are emerging with major and independent labels and rightsholders globally – but these opportunities must be built on a foundation of consent, transparency, and fair compensation for artists and rights holders.”
She said ARIA would continue to advocate strongly against threats to dismantle Australia’s copyright framework to help a a small number of major international AI tech companies.
“Breaking new Australian music locally and earning a living as an artist has never been harder,” Ms Herd said.
“Every new release enters an increasingly crowded global landscape, but the success of artists like Amyl and the Sniffers, Ninajirachi, Dom Dolla, and Troye Sivan – all recognised at the 2025 ARIA Awards – proves Australian artists can cut through anywhere in the world.”
The full report is on the ARIA website.
