The line graph illustrates four different methods of music consumption in the UK – streaming, CDs, downloads, and vinyl – between 2013 and 2018, measured in millions.
Overall, streaming experienced a dramatic rise and became the most popular format by the end of the period, while CD and download sales declined steadily. Vinyl sales, although the least popular, showed a gradual increase.
In 2013, CD sales were the dominant format at around 60 million units, whereas streaming accounted for only about 10 million. However, streaming grew rapidly each year, overtaking downloads in 2015 and surpassing CDs in 2016. By 2018, streaming reached approximately 90 million, making it the leading method of music consumption.
In contrast, CD sales fell consistently from 60 million in 2013 to about 30 million in 2018. Downloads also declined significantly, dropping from roughly 35 million to just over 10 million during the same period. Vinyl sales remained relatively low but increased slightly, rising from around 2 million to nearly 5 million by 2018.