> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.hypebot.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# The Cassette Comeback is not just hype, and here are stats to prove it
- URL: https://www.hypebot.com/the-cassette-comeback-is-not-just-hype-and-here-are-stats-to-prove-it/
- Published: 2023-01-18T14:40:28.000Z
- Updated: 2023-01-18T14:40:35.000Z
- Description: Much has been written about the cassette comeback, but now we have the stats to prove that it’s real. Music’s new interest in cassettes began in part because of vinyl. Continue reading [https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2023/01/the-cassette-comeback-is-not-just-hype-and-here-are-stats-to-prove-it.html
- Author: Bruce Houghton
- Tags: DIY Advice & Tips, Indie Music, Vinyl, Cassettes & Retail, cassette, CDs, DIY musicians, music, Music Business, music industry, musician, musicians, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-01-21 09:44

Much has been written about the cassette comeback, but now we have the stats to prove that it’s real.

Music’s new interest in cassettes began in part because of vinyl shortages and long manufacturing lead times, but even as those issues improve, cassette sales in the US continue to grow, according to Billboard data provider Luminate.

![Red, blue, green, yellow, purple, orange vintage audio cassette tapes, music recording, retro media, nostalgic sound media, tape recorder, musical expression, analog recording, cassette collection, music industry, vintage audio equipment.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/3a/95/3a957c06-c825-4057-9939-0a274cc16d23/content/images/www-hypebot-com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cassette-4313695_640.jpg)

Last year, cassette sales grew 28% to 440,000 units, up from 343,000 in 2021.

The best-selling cassette of 2022 was Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” Soundtrack Vol. 2 at 17,000 units.

Those numbers are small but significant, particularly for independent artists and labels who rely on physical sales online and on the road for a significant portion of their revenue.

Cassettes are not alone in joining vinyl to drive physical sales of music. CDs are garnering growing fan interest as well.

#### MORE: [Move over vinyl, CDs are making a real comeback](https://www.hypebot.com/move-over-vinyl-cds-are-making-a-comeback/)

**Bruce Houghton* is the Founder and Editor of [Hypebot](https://www.hypebot.com/) and [MusicThinkTank](http://www.musicthinktank.com/?ref=hypebot.com), a Senior Advisor at [Bandsintown](https://www.bandsintown.com/?ref=hypebot.com), President of the[ Skyline Artists Agency](https://skylineonline.com/?ref=hypebot.com), and a professor for the [Berklee College Of Music](https://online.berklee.edu/courses/touring-101?ref=hypebot.com).*