The demand for vinyl records in Russia surged by 15% in 2025 compared to the previous year, continuing an upward trajectory from a 32% increase in 2024. The average price for a vinyl record rose by 13%, reaching nearly 2,000 rubles ($27) per album, according to data from Platforma OFD, the country’s largest fiscal data operator.
Sales of vinyl record players also climbed, with a 7% rise in 2025 over 2024 and a 17% increase since 2023. The average cost of these players ticked up by 3% to around 26,700 rubles ($370). Over 70% of vinyl-related purchases now occur through online channels, highlighting how the digital marketplace drives interest in this analogue format.
One of the most striking changes is the demographic shift in vinyl buyers. While in 2020 the average purchaser was in their early 40s, recent figures show that the typical buyer now ranges between 30 and 33 years old. Industry observers attribute this trend to younger music fans embracing vinyl as a cool, affordable alternative to streaming or digital media.
This younger crowd, largely consisting of men aged 25 to 34 and an emerging contingent of 18- to 24-year-olds, didn’t grow up during vinyl’s initial heyday but are discovering its appeal anew. Unlike in the past, when vinyl was viewed as a niche or elitist hobby, it’s now on par cost-wise with many popular entertainment options, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Interestingly, catalog reissues of classic albums are outpacing fresh vinyl releases in sales growth, although there’s sustained interest across genres from pop to indie and alternative music. The retro revival and the desire for vintage aesthetics extend beyond pure music lovers, attracting a wider subculture including Gen Z buyers drawn to vinyl’s tactile and nostalgic qualities.
Despite vinyl’s embrace by younger generations, the overall market remains relatively niche compared to digital formats. Yet the steady increase in both records and players defies predictions that physical media would disappear entirely. Instead, vinyl has found a durable place in today’s fragmented music consumption landscape as a statement of style and sound quality preference.
Russia’s vinyl resurgence mirrors global trends where retro formats are gaining footholds amid digital dominance. However, market observers note that Russia’s growth has been unusually rapid, fueled by better accessibility to affordable players and a shift in perception that removes the ”collector’s only” stigma. Whether this enthusiasm can sustain beyond today’s retro wave remains an open question.