Recently, I explored Tiny Vinyl, an innovative miniature record format created through collaboration between a seasoned toy industry expert and the world’s leading vinyl producer. These 4-inch records mimic traditional 12-inch and 7-inch singles in pressing process but are notably smaller. They feature a standard spindle hole and spin at 33⅓ RPM, with each side holding about four minutes of music—ideal for quick listens or collectibles.

Several artists, including The Band Loula, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, and industry names like Blake Shelton and Melissa Etheridge, have already experimented with Tiny Vinyl. The format gained significant attention when it partnered with retail giant Target, launching 44 exclusive titles late this year, aiming to diversify the vinyl experience for a broader audience.

I personally tested select releases from Grace VanderWaal, Florida Georgia Line, and jazz legends the Vince Guaraldi Trio, playing them on an Audio Technica LP-120 turntable connected to a Yamaha amplifier and vintage Klipsch speakers. The sound quality and durability of these tiny records are promising but raise questions about their longevity and practicality for everyday listening.

Experts note that while miniature records could appeal to collectors and casual listeners, they may not replace standard-sized vinyl for audiophiles. As vinyl continues its resurgence, Tiny Vinyl could carve out a niche—especially with strategic partnerships—yet its long-term success remains to be seen.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.