There has been a resurgence of physical media after decades of slowly declining due to being overpowered by streaming media.

While streaming services are more convenient to the public, physical media is considered more fulfilling and interactive by many of its collectors.

Anna Scott, 12, is a student enrolled at Rogers High School. Scott was familiarized with physical media throughout her life due to her parents introducing her to it. Growing up, she was given a record player of her own. She enjoyed the idea of being involved with the player and believes it has a possible return with trends escalating.

“You are just putting the needle on there and you actually have to know what you want, and that focus makes you more involved instead of tapping it’s more involved in a way,” said Anna Scott, 12.

For many, having physical copies such as records or CDs is just as satisfying as digitally listening to the music. The purpose of having physical media is to collect items permanently, listen on-the-go and offline, and just support artists. Purchasing a physical CD or record is also just a one-time purchase, in contrast to a monthly streaming service subscription.

“Continuing one of the more surprising comebacks of the digital age, vinyl album sales in the United States increased for the 18th consecutive year in 2024,” said Felix Richter in an article for Statista

Overall, digital music sales still account for the majority of the industry’s income. Still, the resurgence of physical media is notable.

“However big or small the impact of rising LP sales on the music industry’s bottom line may be, it’s fascinating to witness a hundred year-old technology come back from near extinction. Physical goods, it appears, still hold value for many people, even in the digital age,” Richter said.

RHS students value the vintage “magic” that physical media has to offer.

“Streaming has it all right there, and with the physical there is something magical about physical media,” said Scott.