Each pie shows the revenue contribution from various formats, 1980-2010, based on RIAA revenue figures. If you want to see it again, just wait a few seconds for the animation to start over.

[img:$uid]http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/research/30years.gif[/img:$uid]

This is US-based data, and each pie represents 100% of total recording

The following shipment figures are from the RIAA, dating back to 1973. The first shows album unit sales across four formats: 8-tracks, vinyl, CDs, and digital albums. The second shows singles across four formats: CD-singles, cassette singles (or 'cassingles'), vinyl singles, and digital singles. US specific.

albums

[img:$uid]http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/images/albumsales2010[/img:$uid]

singles

[img:$uid]http://www.digitalmusicnews.com/images/singlesales2010[/img:$uid]

[Edited 8/30/11 10:37am]

Nice.

^^ yeah, I interested in hearing what a LP, 8 track, cassete and vinyl sound like, i've only listened to digital and cd's in my 18y yrs of life

HAPPYPERSON said:

^^ yeah, I interested in hearing what a LP, 8 track, cassete and vinyl sound like, i've only listened to digital and cd's in my 18y yrs of life

There were also reel-to-reel tapes.

The CD needs to make a comeback.

I don't care about CDs. Although they're still made in small quantities, records should be the primary music source again.

MickyDolenz said:

I don't care about CDs. Although they're still made in small quantities, records should be the primary music source again.

Meh. They're way too big.

smoothcriminal12 said:

The CD needs to make a comeback.

The future will probably be flashdrives..............

Graycap23 said:

smoothcriminal12 said:

The CD needs to make a comeback.

The future will probably be flashdrives..............

That's disappointing and sounds horrific.

CD's will still be around but I don't know if it'll be in the way of the vinyl or the cassette. I know music listening devices evolve over the years but let's not bury the CD just yet!

That pie chart is really cool, thanks for sharing

Downloading is evil.

Vinyl records and CDs are equally awesome.

I think downloading will continue to expand, but there will always be a space for those who appreciate a richer musical experience.

I'm surprised the cd is still this strong....49%? Thought downloading took it all over...

Javi said:

Downloading is evil.

Vinyl records and CDs are equally awesome.

I think downloading will continue to expand, but there will always be a space for those who appreciate a richer musical experience.

As long as there's an outlet for people to view and feel the experience, CDs will be around. Without it, the music industry won't sell so like it or not it still needs the CD especially since they don't wanna count vinyl and cassettes anymore - which they need to, least vinyl/LP.

Timmy84 said:

CD's will still be around but I don't know if it'll be in the way of the vinyl or the cassette. I know music listening devices evolve over the years but let's not bury the CD just yet!

No thats not happening, i mean that would be like getting rid of books because people use the kindle and the nook. Digital and Ironically the cassette too me were the two worst forms of technology. THOUGH i had a walkman, i almost never bought a tape neither did my brothers, they would buy the albums and me too, and then make our own tapes. Kind of like now when u make a playlist, but digital sucks because there is nothing there, even stuff i like, i forget i even have it, digital is not advancing music its narrowing it down. CD's and Vinyl are still great sellers, Cds especially in used shops all around NYC here, one placed called "Book Off" is a catalog cd persons dream, and as for vinyl as the owner of "record runner" said, its been the only form that is actually attracting loyal buyers at this point.

robertlove said:

I'm surprised the cd is still this strong....49%? Thought downloading took it all over...

What you heard was wrong lol

smoothcriminal12 said:

MickyDolenz said:

I don't care about CDs. Although they're still made in small quantities, records should be the primary music source again.

Meh. They're way too big.

That's one of the best things about records. I don't want small CD art and tiny print. CD's might be better for shoplifters, that's all. CD's also killed the album by making it easy and fast to copy. It also made people want to fill 80 minutes of space (just about the length of a movie), when a record usually only lasted no more than 45-50 minutes and 30 minutes pre-1970's. The only way to copy a record (or cassette, reels, 8-tracks) is to actually play it, which takes a lot more time.

[Edited 8/30/11 11:08am]

lastdecember said:

Timmy84 said:

CD's will still be around but I don't know if it'll be in the way of the vinyl or the cassette. I know music listening devices evolve over the years but let's not bury the CD just yet!

No thats not happening, i mean that would be like getting rid of books because people use the kindle and the nook. Digital and Ironically the cassette too me were the two worst forms of technology. THOUGH i had a walkman, i almost never bought a tape neither did my brothers, they would buy the albums and me too, and then make our own tapes. Kind of like now when u make a playlist, but digital sucks because there is nothing there, even stuff i like, i forget i even have it, digital is not advancing music its narrowing it down. CD's and Vinyl are still great sellers, Cds especially in used shops all around NYC here, one placed called "Book Off" is a catalog cd persons dream, and as for vinyl as the owner of "record runner" said, its been the only form that is actually attracting loyal buyers at this point.

And there you have it!

MickyDolenz said:

smoothcriminal12 said:

Meh. They're way too big.

That's one of the best things about records. I don't want small CD art and tiny print. CD's might be better for shoplifters, that's all. CD's also killed the album by making it easy and fast to copy. It also made people want to fill 80 minutes of space, when a record usually only lasted no more than 45-50 minutes and 30 minutes pre-1970's. The only way to copy a record (or cassette, reels, 8-tracks) is to actually play it, which takes a lot more time.

But more space = more music! Right? That's the best part.

lastdecember said:

Timmy84 said:

CD's will still be around but I don't know if it'll be in the way of the vinyl or the cassette. I know music listening devices evolve over the years but let's not bury the CD just yet!

No thats not happening, i mean that would be like getting rid of books because people use the kindle and the nook. Digital and Ironically the cassette too me were the two worst forms of technology. THOUGH i had a walkman, i almost never bought a tape neither did my brothers, they would buy the albums and me too, and then make our own tapes. Kind of like now when u make a playlist, but digital sucks because there is nothing there, even stuff i like, i forget i even have it, digital is not advancing music its narrowing it down. CD's and Vinyl are still great sellers, Cds especially in used shops all around NYC here, one placed called "Book Off" is a catalog cd persons dream, and as for vinyl as the owner of "record runner" said, its been the only form that is actually attracting loyal buyers at this point.

Curiously, some downloaders just can't understand that, and demonize you if you think differently.

Also, digital music culture frequently means more and more information without assimilating and really enjoying it. I prefer to listen to less music and incorporate it than having a zillion songs in my ipod or a million downloads in my hard drive. SLOW CULTURE.

I don't know how many people can lament the loss of the old magic regarding buying records and be happy with that. You can still have that old magic if you want to. I buy records like I've always done, you're not obliged to go with the flow, are you? I only buy vinyl records and CDs in the internet when I don't find them in record shops; that's the only change I've made. So I use the internet to increment and enrich my physical record collection!

[Edited 8/30/11 11:18am]

[Edited 8/30/11 11:19am]

smoothcriminal12 said:

MickyDolenz said:

That's one of the best things about records. I don't want small CD art and tiny print. CD's might be better for shoplifters, that's all. CD's also killed the album by making it easy and fast to copy. It also made people want to fill 80 minutes of space, when a record usually only lasted no more than 45-50 minutes and 30 minutes pre-1970's. The only way to copy a record (or cassette, reels, 8-tracks) is to actually play it, which takes a lot more time.

But more space = more music! Right? That's the best part.

More is not better. If a 30 minute album can contain so-called "filler", what does an 80 minute album have? A bunch of interludes, skits, and throwaway tracks. Some acts don't even have their own albums, and every song is a "collabo". The instrumental break has been replaced with a rapper saying a verse that has nothing to do with the song. Besides, it's been said that today's audience has a very short attention span, so why would they want to sit through an album that's about the length of the average movie, let alone a double CD album (which is the equivalent of a 3 record set). I think they would rather have a pre-CD era length album.

MickyDolenz said:

smoothcriminal12 said:

But more space = more music! Right? That's the best part.

More is not better. If a 30 minute album can contain so-called "filler", what does an 80 minute album have? A bunch of interludes, skits, and throwaway tracks. Some acts don't even have their own albums, and every song is a "collabo". The instrumental break has been replaced with a rapper saying a verse that has nothing to do with the song. Besides, it's been said that today's audience has a very short attention span, so why would they want to sit through an album that's about the length of the average movie, let alone a double CD album (which is the equivalent of a 3 record set). I think they would rather have a pre-CD era length album.

True. I was just playing, really. I've always wanted to start collecting, vinyl, I just don't see the point in having to buy the correct player, hunting for the vinyls themselves, etc. Unfortunately for me, there are loads of great LPs that never ended up on CD.

Javi said:

lastdecember said:

No thats not happening, i mean that would be like getting rid of books because people use the kindle and the nook. Digital and Ironically the cassette too me were the two worst forms of technology. THOUGH i had a walkman, i almost never bought a tape neither did my brothers, they would buy the albums and me too, and then make our own tapes. Kind of like now when u make a playlist, but digital sucks because there is nothing there, even stuff i like, i forget i even have it, digital is not advancing music its narrowing it down. CD's and Vinyl are still great sellers, Cds especially in used shops all around NYC here, one placed called "Book Off" is a catalog cd persons dream, and as for vinyl as the owner of "record runner" said, its been the only form that is actually attracting loyal buyers at this point.

Curiously, some downloaders just can't understand that, and demonize you if you think differently.

Also, the digital music culture frequently means more and more information without assimilating and really enjoying it. I prefer to listen to less music and incorporate it than having a zillion songs in my ipod or a million downloads in my hard drive. SLOW CULTURE.

I don't know how many people can lament the loss of the old magic regarding buying records and be happy with that. You can still have that old magic if you want to. I buy records like I've always done, you're not obliged to go with the flow, are you? Only buy vinyl records and CDs in the internet when I don't find them in record shops; that's the only change I've made. So I use the internet to increment and enrich my physical record collection!

Yeah im leaning more in your way, i clearly have more music now because of digital and its all over place, but i kind of few it has "cable tv" 57 channels and nothing on as Bruce Springsteen sang, it s kind of that philosphy. Im listening alot more to things i probably never would have bought.

Digital lovers will demonize your thinking as OLD, but im and i hear you saying the same, we are talking as music lovers and the preservation of it, MORE is not necessarily GOOD, the two dont always equate. My issue with digital is because now it depends on your patience, your computer speed and alot of other things against walking into a store and looking for what you want. A very interesting quote from INXS frontman JD FORTUNE, about the music experience, was saying that "the mystery is gone, the finding of product is gone, you used to pick up a record, this giant piece of work, you opened you read the notes learned about it and how it happend, now u get a 1/2 inch box picture, a click a 30 second preview and thats it, you have to impress with that, and it leads to a void"

I hope CD's will stay. I love collecting CD's, vinyl, cassettes, etc. I love it.

Also, vinyl makes it's comeback, and it's growing back in sales again. That's really great.

Very cool! Thanks for sharing

lastdecember said:

Javi said:

Curiously, some downloaders just can't understand that, and demonize you if you think differently.

Also, the digital music culture frequently means more and more information without assimilating and really enjoying it. I prefer to listen to less music and incorporate it than having a zillion songs in my ipod or a million downloads in my hard drive. SLOW CULTURE.

I don't know how many people can lament the loss of the old magic regarding buying records and be happy with that. You can still have that old magic if you want to. I buy records like I've always done, you're not obliged to go with the flow, are you? Only buy vinyl records and CDs in the internet when I don't find them in record shops; that's the only change I've made. So I use the internet to increment and enrich my physical record collection!

Yeah im leaning more in your way, i clearly have more music now because of digital and its all over place, but i kind of few it has "cable tv" 57 channels and nothing on as Bruce Springsteen sang, it s kind of that philosphy. Im listening alot more to things i probably never would have bought.

Digital lovers will demonize your thinking as OLD, but im and i hear you saying the same, we are talking as music lovers and the preservation of it, MORE is not necessarily GOOD, the two dont always equate. My issue with digital is because now it depends on your patience, your computer speed and alot of other things against walking into a store and looking for what you want. A very interesting quote from INXS frontman JD FORTUNE, about the music experience, was saying that "the mystery is gone, the finding of product is gone, you used to pick up a record, this giant piece of work, you opened you read the notes learned about it and how it happend, now u get a 1/2 inch box picture, a click a 30 second preview and thats it, you have to impress with that, and it leads to a void"

A lot of the fans of downloading keep on saying that it is democratic, free, we're all the same... I don't think so. As you say, there are many factors that make the experience different for some people, even more difficult. What if you simply don't like computers? Yes, there are people like that! Me!!! I don't like these thingys, and therefore I don't like to listen to music through them. And of course, it is not free: see your telephone bills.

xLiberiangirl said:

I hope CD's will stay. I love collecting CD's, vinyl, cassettes, etc. I love it.

Also, vinyl makes it's comeback, and it's growing back in sales again. That's really great.

Yes, I'm also glad that vinyl is growing back in sales. However, according to these graphics, in 2010 it has represented only 1.3%. But, hey, we can hope it keeps on growing. It was 0.1% just some years ago...

Now I'm developing a new interest in cassettes! It was the main format I bought for a few years, and I think I'll start to get some in the used market again!

Javi said:

xLiberiangirl said:

I hope CD's will stay. I love collecting CD's, vinyl, cassettes, etc. I love it.

Also, vinyl makes it's comeback, and it's growing back in sales again. That's really great.

Yes, I'm also glad that vinyl is growing back in sales. However, according to these graphics, in 2010 it has represented only 1.3%. But, hey, we can hope it keeps on growing. It was 0.1% just some years ago...

Now I'm developing a new interest in cassettes! It was the main format I bought for a few years, and I think I'll start to get some in the used market again!

Malaco Records still manufacture pre-made cassettes and sell them in their catalog. My mom gets one of their catalogs every couple of months. I guess most of the people who buy Malaco albums are older folks, so still buy tapes. My mom has a cassette player in her car, not a CD and she doesn't own any CD's. She also still buys and play videotapes.

MickyDolenz said:

Javi said:

Yes, I'm also glad that vinyl is growing back in sales. However, according to these graphics, in 2010 it has represented only 1.3%. But, hey, we can hope it keeps on growing. It was 0.1% just some years ago...

Now I'm developing a new interest in cassettes! It was the main format I bought for a few years, and I think I'll start to get some in the used market again!

Malaco Records still manufacture pre-made cassettes and sell them in their catalog. My mom gets one of their catalogs every couple of months. I guess most of the people who buy Malaco albums are older folks, so still buy tapes. My mom has a cassette player in her car, not a CD and she doesn't own any CD's. She also still buys and play videotapes.

I'll have a look, thank you!

Does this show illegal downloads too? Just sales right?