What shift occurred in the 2000s regarding music sales and consumption?

In the 2000s, the landscape of music sales and consumption underwent a transformative shift, primarily marked by a significant decline in physical sales, such as CDs and vinyl records. This decline was largely attributed to the rapid rise of digital music formats, such as downloads and streaming services. Platforms like iTunes and later, streaming giants like Spotify and Apple Music, revolutionized how consumers accessed music, allowing for greater convenience and instant access to vast libraries of songs.

The transition towards digital consumption was fueled by the increasing penetration of the internet and mobile technology, enabling people to listen to music on-the-go and choose exactly what they wanted to listen to, rather than relying on the limited selection available in physical formats. This shift not only impacted how music was sold but also changed the way artists promoted their work and engaged with fans, as social media and streaming platforms became pivotal for music discovery.

While vinyl sales did see a notable increase during this time, the overall trend was dominated by the declining physical sales, making the most striking change apparent in the shift towards digital downloads and streaming options, which is why the option correctly identifies this pivotal change in the music industry.