Nearly HALF of Gen Alpha listening to CDs – Key Production Survey Shows amid growing trend of screen-free listening

A recent survey exploring music listening and buying behaviour has revealed that interest in physical music is extending beyond Generation Z (17-28 year-olds), with Generation Alpha (1-16 year-olds) now embracing physical music too – listening to vinyl, CDs and cassettes.

Research of over 2,000 respondents across the UK¹, conducted by Key Production, Europe’s leading bespoke physical music and packaging manufacturing agency, found that nearly half (46 per cent) of Generation Alpha are listening to physical music. The findings also revealed that over half (53 per cent) of Gen A know how to use a CD player, with 46 per cent of parents confirming that their child or children of up to 18 years-old listen to CDs. Furthermore, when asked about vinyl, nearly 4 in 10 (38 per cent) parents said that their child listens to vinyl, with 36 per cent of them saying that they can use a record player. 

These insights follow a landmark year for physical music sales. In January, UK record labels association the BPI reported that purchases of physical music in 2024 had shown positive year-on-year growth (1.4%) for the first time in two decades, led by a 17^th consecutive annual rise in vinyl album sales (9.1%) and a marked slowing in the decline in demand for CD (-2.9%), as younger consumers showed growing signs of embracing both formats². 2025 also marked the most successful year for Record Store Day³. While Generation Z has played a pivotal role in this resurgence, with artists such as Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and Charli XCX driving physical sales, the latest insights suggest that physical formats are continuing to grow in popularity among younger audiences too. 

Karen Emanuel, CEO of Key Production, said, “In an age dominated by streaming, it’s the younger generations who are continuing to drive the demand for physical music. Vinyl is more popular than ever, and it’s clear here there’s an appetite for CDs — fuelled by youthful enthusiasm. For many of these young listeners, physical music offers something digital formats can’t: a sense of authenticity, ownership, and emotional connection. It turns music into a tangible experience—something to hold, display, collect, and connect with on a deeper level. It is more than a passing trend; it reflects a deeper cultural shift. Physical music is no longer considered a relic of the past—it’s firmly part of the future, and it’s here to stay.”

What’s more – the findings suggest parental influence is also having an impact. Just 1 in 5 parents (20 per cent) prefer their children listen to music via a smartphone, rather than on CD or vinyl, suggesting a wider cultural shift towards screen-free listening. The findings fit within a broader, ongoing conversation about children and technology that has been highlighted, once again, off the back of the hit Netflix show Adolescence. 

The survey also found that physical music is being used as a form of digital detox across all generations, with 71 per cent of Generation Z, and 75 per cent of Millennials suggesting they choose listening to physical music to help them reduce their screen time. Results also show that interestingly, how people receive physical music is stable across the generations from either acquiring them from friends or inheriting them from family. Nearly three in ten (27 per cent) of Gen Zer’s receive physical music from friends and nearly 15 per cent across Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X inherit some of their collection.  

Dr Jo Twist OBE, CEO of UK record labels association, the BPI, said: “The BPI’s own analysis of market trends supports these latest findings in highlighting the enduring appeal of recorded music across all formats and with all generations. It’s wonderful to see the next wave of music fans already developing a love of vinyl and an appreciation of CD, that, sitting alongside streaming, is part of the amazing choice in music discovery and listening that we now all enjoy as dedicated fans.”   

Overall, more than four in five (61 per cent) of all survey respondents agreed that vinyl offers a different listening experience to streaming, suggesting the appetite for physical music has taken root, and will continue on an upward trajectory, solidifying itself across generations and generations. 

Key Production is a certified B Corp and works with music industry bodies ensuring the best practices for sustainability within physical music production are met throughout the whole supply chain. Founded in 1990, the London-based company is best known for its work with artists such as Nick Cave, Alt-J, IDLES, Little Simz, Ezra Collective, PJ Harvey and Raye on her BRIT Award winning album – amongst many more.