About VinylIQ

VinylIQ is the web companion to the VinylIQ iOS app — an AI-powered record, cassette, and CD identification tool that turns a photo of a sleeve, label, or runout groove into a pressing variant, condition grade, and honest market value.

This website exists because identification is only half the job. Knowing that you're holding a 1971 first Harvest pressing of Meddle is interesting; understanding why that matters — and how to grade the sleeve so a buyer trusts your offer — is what makes collectors look like collectors. The guides here cover the long versions of every question the app gives a short answer to.

Who we are. VinylIQ is built by Format Partners LLC, a small team that builds focused mobile apps for life's specific challenges. We make tools we use ourselves — VinylIQ was born from a crate-digging habit and a frustration with how scattered vinyl knowledge is across forums, marketplaces, and out-of-print books.

What we believe. Collect for love, not as investment. Grade honestly. Buy what you'll play. The app and the guides are designed around those rules.