In recent years, physical media has risen in popularity among younger generations, especially Gen Z. Although our generation grew up in a period where physical media, such as CDs, DVDs, vinyl records and film cameras, were slowly becoming less popular, young people have played a big role in reviving these older formats.

With shows and music being almost exclusively accessed through streaming platforms, most would think that this is the preferred way of consuming media. However, the downsides of streaming services do not go unnoticed by its users. In 2022, artists including Joni Mitchell and Neil Young pulled their music from Spotify in protest of misinformation being spread on the platform regarding COVID-19. Though their boycott ended in 2024, this act showed that what we access on streaming services is never truly ours. Platforms like Netflix regularly remove movies to make space for new ones. Spotify, even with a premium subscription, may put audiobooks behind paywalls. Even the photos we keep on our phones could be lost if not properly backed up. When something is accessed digitally, there is no true ownership of the media we are consuming.

Physical media eliminates the worry of the media we love being lost overnight. Owning a record, DVD, or photo album gives people a sense of permanence and control that streaming cannot offer. There is also a more personal connection when it comes to flipping through a photo album, sharing a vinyl collection with friends or putting a DVD into the TV for a movie night. Growing up in a digital world where content is constantly being added or taken away, young people are often drawn to the stability that a physical format can offer.

Many artists have also played a large role in the comeback of CD’s, vinyls and cassettes. In 2023, Olivia Rodrigo became the bestselling artist for cassettes when she released her album Guts on cassette, with around 8,500 copies sold in the first week of release. Other artists, including Kenrick Lamar, Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter have also been bestsellers for physical media within the past five years. While some of these sales stem from loyal fans wanting to support their favorite artists, many come from the desire to feel more connected to the music we consume. Taking the time to set up a vinyl or put a cassette into a boombox allows us to slow down and appreciate the intentionality behind listening. Each song becomes an experience rather than background noise.

This generation’s interest in physical media reflects a desire for authenticity, permanence, and connection in an increasingly digital age. It’s less about rejecting technology and more about reclaiming a sense of ownership and presence.