Consumers are increasingly turning back to physical media, including CDs, DVDs, and vinyl, citing reasons such as a desire to escape algorithmically curated content and to ensure long-term access to their favourite films and music.
For some, the move is about the security of owning a physical copy, free from the interruptions and potential removal of content by streaming services. CJ, 55, a compliance manager, noted that shows disappearing from streaming platforms prompted her return to physical media, stating, “if you can’t hold it, you don’t own it.”
Others are motivated by a wish to support artists directly and to avoid sharing personal data with subscription companies. Antonio, a 40-year-old software engineer, began buying secondhand CDs to reduce reliance on subscription services and to limit data sharing. Ruth, 67, a retired professor, owns 5,300 CDs, primarily to support musicians.
The appeal also lies in a more tactile and active engagement with media. Ash, 52, a university lecturer, described listening to records as an activity, contrasting it with the more passive experience of streaming. Quinn, 26, who collects cassette tapes, appreciates the format's restrictions and the ability to discover music independently or through friends.