From Discogs to VinylTok: These websites & platforms are indispensable for vinyl fans – with everything collectors really need.
The passion for vinyl can really be lived out on the internet – more than ever. In addition to classic platforms, social media, specialized shops and artist platforms have now also become central contact points. Even if at first glance the record has little to do with today’s digital reality, there are wonderful sites for vinyl fans online. We present the best here.
Vinyl Me, Please
The service Vinylmeplease Describes itself as the “best damn record club” and sends out monthly shipments of records, which it considers essential to any collection. There are now several subscription categories – such as Essentials, Classics or Hip-Hop. Prices have risen significantly since 2018 (sometimes over 400 euros annually); The pressings are often exclusive and high quality, including bonus tracks, special artwork and elaborate booklets.
Vinylify
The start-up Vinylify from Amsterdam presses desired records as individual pieces – your own mixtape on vinyl, so to speak. Prices are around 120 to 150 euros per plate, but the quality has improved. The offer remains particularly popular as a gift idea.
And Vinyly
Not to be confused with Vinylify: If you want, you can have your own ashes pressed into a record after death. The service Andvinyly still exists and regularly attracts attention online – a morbid but fascinating fringe phenomenon of vinyl culture.
DJ rooms
There’s almost everything here: instructions for cleaning records, vinyl gifs and the “Dig Of The Week”. The focus is on music rooms, studios and apartments of collectors. Classic blogs like DJ rooms have become rarer today – similar content can increasingly be found on Instagram, YouTube or TikTok.
Reddit continues to be seen as the culmination of everything the internet has to offer – including for vinyl fans. Users post to Reddit Anecdotes, pictures of their collection or give tips on equipment and record stores. The whole thing is complemented today by platforms such as Discord for community exchange and TikTok, where new trends are emerging under “VinylTok”.
Discogs
The best-known vinyl site is still the first port of call for anyone who wants to archive their collection digitally. The database of Discogs has grown massively and remains the largest of its kind in the world. At least as important is the marketplace, where even the rarest treasures can be found. At the same time, there is criticism of rising fees, occasional fake offers and a somewhat outdated user interface.
Vinylfantasymag
And another note Vinylfantasymag: One of the most famous German blogs about records. However, classic vinyl blogs have a harder time today and have been partially replaced by YouTube channels, newsletters and online magazines that publish faster and more widely.
Dust & Grooves
A photography project by Israeli photographer Eilon Paz, who is interested in the collecting habits of others. The page Dustand grooves has evolved and now also includes books and exhibitions. Portraits of vinyl fans and their stories make the project unique to this day.
Band camp
Bandcamp has become one of the most important platforms for vinyl buyers. Artists can sell their music directly here, often including exclusive vinyl pressings. Bandcamp is indispensable, especially in the indie and underground sectors.
HHV/Juno Records
Large online shops have become increasingly important. They often offer new releases, reissues and pre-orders faster and cheaper than traditional channels – the digital record store with international reach.
eBay
eBay remains relevant for bargains and rare finds, even if the platform is less specialized than Discogs.
VNYL
Also Vinyl was a subscription service that brought the social network idea to the table: users could make recommendations, create playlists and put together their profile from “vibes”. Three albums were delivered monthly according to their preferences. Today, however, the service hardly plays a role anymore – personalized recommendations are now standard and are implemented better by larger platforms.
