YouTube Will Not Be Supplying Data to Billboard From January 2026
YouTube reveals it will stop sharing data with Billboard to be counted towards the US charts.
YouTube reveals it will stop sharing data with Billboard to be counted towards the US charts.
The video streaming giant will no longer supply data to Billboard starting January 16, 2026, following a dispute regarding Billboard’s decision to weight subscription plays more than ad-supported/non-subscriber streams. This move comes over a decade after being included in the Billboard Hot 100 charts. YouTube describes Billboard’s methodology of counting streams as an “outdated formula.”
Billboard announced that it would update its chart rules by narrowing the weighting gap. The company will update its weighting gap to 1:2.5 from its previous ratio of 1:3. This change will be applied to all charts.
“The incredible work artists do to build a community on YouTube and their massive fan engagement is being undervalued in Billboard’s charts,” Lyor Cohen, the Global Head of Music at YouTube wrote in a statement. “Billboard uses an outdated formula that weights subscription-supported streams higher than ad-supported. This doesn’t reflect how fans engage with music today and ignores the massive engagement from fans who don’t have a subscription.”
Initially an album sale is equal to 3,750 ad-supported or 1,250 paid/subscription plays. However, under the new model, 2,500 ad-supported or 1,000 paid/subscription would equate to one album sale. As per the updated rules, an album sale would require 33% fewer streams than before.
“Streaming is the primary way people experience music, making up 84% of U.S. recorded music revenue. We’re simply asking that every stream is counted fairly and equally, whether it is subscription-based or ad-supported—because every fan matters and every play should count,” stated Cohen.
“Billboard strives to measure that activity appropriately; balanced by various factors including consumer access, revenue analysis, data validation and industry guidance. It is our hope that YouTube reconsiders and joins Billboard in recognizing the reach and popularity of artists on all music platforms and in celebrating their achievements through the power of fans and how they interact with the music that they love,” said a spokesperson for Billboard.
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