Vinyl collecting isn’t just a hobby—it’s a passion that thrives on community. Whether you’re hunting for rare pressings, debating the best turntable setups, or just geeking out over album art, connecting with fellow collectors makes the experience richer.
But where do you find these like-minded vinyl records lovers? The internet is packed with forums, social media groups, and niche communities where collectors share knowledge, buy/sell/trade records, and bond over their favorite albums.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best online vinyl communities—from Reddit forums to Discord servers and beyond. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned collector, these are the best places to dive deep into the world of vinyl.
Why Join a Vinyl Community?
Before we list the best spots, let’s talk about why these communities matter:
Discover rare records – Get alerts on limited editions and restocks.
Buy, sell, and trade – Find trusted marketplaces outside of eBay and Discogs.
Get expert advice – Learn about turntables, cleaning methods, and storage tips.
Share your collection – Show off your latest finds and get recommendations.
Make friends – Connect with fellow music nerds who get your obsession.
Now, let’s dive into the best places to hang out online as a vinyl collector.
1. Reddit: The Front Page of Vinyl Collecting
Reddit is home to some of the most active vinyl communities. Here are the best subreddits:
r/vinyl (1.3M+ members)
- The largest vinyl community on the web.
- Posts range from collection showcases to newbie questions.
- Great for general discussions, but can be overwhelming for niche topics.
r/vinylcollectors (200K+ members)
- A buy/sell/trade marketplace with strict rules to avoid scams.
- Deals on rare records, often priced better than Discogs/eBay.
r/vinylreleases (100K+ members)
- The go-to spot for limited edition drops and pre-orders.
- Users post links to exclusive pressings before they sell out.
Other Niche Subreddits:
- r/audiophile (for high-end setups)
- r/turntables (tech and repair advice)
- r/vintageaudio (classic gear talk)
Why It’s Great:
- Huge user base with constant activity.
- Upvote/downvote system keeps discussions organized.
2. Discogs: The Ultimate Vinyl Database + Marketplace
While Discogs is best known as a vinyl cataloging and marketplace tool, its community forums are also a goldmine for collectors.
Key Features:
✔ Database – Catalog your collection and check pressing details.
✔ Marketplace – Buy/sell records (often cheaper than eBay).
✔ Forums – Discuss genres, pressing variations, and collecting tips.
Best For:
- Serious collectors who want deep dives into matrix numbers and pressing plants.
- Sellers looking for a dedicated vinyl marketplace.
3. Facebook Groups: Vinyl Collecting’s Hidden Gems
Facebook has thousands of vinyl groups, from general collecting to ultra-specific genres.
Top Picks:
Vinyl Collectors Worldwide (150K+ members) – A massive, active group for buying/selling.
The Vinyl Exchange (50K+ members) – Strictly for trading records.
Rare & Limited Vinyl Collectors (30K+ members) – Focused on high-value pressings.
Genre-Specific Groups (e.g., Psych Rock Vinyl, Jazz Vinyl Collectors)
Why It’s Great:
- Easy to buy/sell locally.
- More personal than Reddit (real names, profiles).
Downside:
- Scams can happen—always use PayPal Goods & Services.
4. Vinyl Collective (Steve Hoffman Music Forums)
One of the oldest and most respected vinyl communities, the Steve Hoffman Music Forums (hosted by mastering engineer Steve Hoffman) is a hub for audiophiles and collectors.
Key Features:
✔ High-quality discussions on pressing quality, remasters, and gear.
✔ Dedicated vinyl subforums for buying/selling.
✔ Expert advice from industry pros.
Best For:
- Audiophiles who care about sound quality over rarity.
- Deep dives into mastering techniques and pressing variations.
5. Instagram & TikTok: The Visual Vinyl Community
If you love showing off your collection, Instagram and TikTok are perfect.
Instagram Highlights:
#vinylcommunity – Over 2M posts of collections, setups, and finds.
@vinyljerk – A meme page poking fun at vinyl culture (in good fun).
@vinyloftheday – A curated feed of stunning records.
TikTok Trends:
"Vinyl Hauls" – People share their latest purchases.
"Thrift Store Finds" – Digging for hidden gems.
Why It’s Great:
- Highly visual and engaging.
- Great for discovering new music through short clips.
6. Discord: Real-Time Vinyl Chat
If you prefer live discussions, Discord servers are where collectors hang out.
Top Vinyl Discord Servers:
Vinyl Collective – Active chats on new releases and gear.
The Vinyl Lounge – A mix of collecting and music discussion.
Turntable Labs’ Server – Focused on turntables and setups.
Why It’s Great:
- Instant conversations (better than forum threads).
- Voice chats for live album listening parties.
7. Vinyl Me, Please (VMP) Community
Vinyl Me, Please is a record subscription service, but its member forums are a thriving community.
What Makes It Special:
Exclusive pressings discussed in-depth.
Themed listening parties (e.g., album-of-the-month discussions).
Tight-knit, engaged members.
Best For:
- Fans of VMP’s curated releases.
- People who want a more premium, moderated community.
8. Waxwork Records’ Collector Groups
If you love soundtracks and horror vinyl, Waxwork Records has a cult following.
Where to Find Them:
- Facebook Fan Groups
- Reddit (r/waxworkrecords)
- Discord (unofficial fan servers)
Why It’s Great:
- Focused on limited-edition soundtrack releases.
- Fans trade rare pressings like Mondo and Death Waltz records.
9. Local Record Store Forums & Meetups
Don’t forget IRL (In Real Life) communities!
How to Find Them:
Record store bulletin boards (many have their own Facebook groups).
Meetup.com – Search for "vinyl swap" or "record collector" events.
Record fairs – Great for networking with local collectors.
Why It’s Great:
- Hands-on digging with fellow collectors.
- Support local shops and make real-world connections.
Final Thoughts: Which Community is Right for You?
The best vinyl community depends on what you’re looking for:
- For buying/selling → Reddit (r/vinylcollectors), Facebook Groups, Discogs
- For news on drops → r/vinylreleases, Vinyl Collective
- For audiophile discussions → Steve Hoffman Forums, Discord
- For visual collectors → Instagram, TikTok
- For niche genres → Genre-specific Facebook groups
No matter where you land, the key is engagement—ask questions, share your finds, and enjoy the ride.