Analogue revival A cultural pendulum swing

20,000 foot view:

From the dumb phone trend to a vinyl revival, analogue has been back on the rise in the cultural zeitgeist. This could shake up the digital ecosystem and unlock potential opportunities for entertainment –– but the 'why’ behind the trend needs to be better understood to action the opportunity to its full potential. This report explores the extent of the analogue revival, with insights from companies and organisations operating at the heart of it, dives into what is driving the trend, and what comes next –– looking at longevity, threats, and the next set of opportunities.

Key data and insights in this report:

• Analysis of the cultural shifts away from digital, and back towards analogue, physical, in-person, and offline entertainment
• Vinyl and CD purchase behavioural data among different age groups, and change over time
• How audiences support their favourite artists via fan activities (purchases and behaviours)
• Consumer attitudes to fanbases and scenes
• How music, clothes, and people affect consumers’ identity
• Consumer techniques to reduce screen time, across different subgroups of music, video, and games consumers

Survey data is from MIDiA consumer surveys (Q1 2023, Q2 2023, Q1 2024, and Q2 2024), fielded in US, UK, Australia, and Canada.

Table of contents:

Words: 3182

Pages: 15

Infographics: 3

Introduction

Figure 1: The younger analogue dynamic

Figure 2: The impact of streaming 

Figure 3: The impact of screen time management

Implications

Companies and brands mentioned: Apple Music Festival,Christopher Nolan, Bridgerton, Digital Entertainment and Retail Association, Elastic Stage, EVEN, Hasbro, Instagram, Kendrick Lamar, Limited Addition Records, The Light Phone, Netflix, Olivia Rodrigo, Oppenheimer, PlayStation, Publishers Association, Spotify, Streamy Awards, Taylor Swift, TikTok, WHO, Wizards of the Coast, Xbox, and YouTube