YouTube Plans To Pull Streaming Data From Billboard Charts

Recently, YouTube introduced that, come January 16, 2026, it plans to withdraw all its streaming information from Billboard’s charts. In a weblog submit, world head of music Lyor Cohen defined the corporate’s choice to take action.

“Billboard makes use of an outdated formulation that weights subscription-supported streams larger than ad-supported,” the submit begins. “This does not mirror how followers have interaction with music in the present day and ignores the huge engagement from followers who don’t have a subscription. Streaming is the first manner individuals expertise music, making up 84% of U.S. recorded music income. We’re merely asking that each stream is counted pretty and equally, whether or not it’s subscription-based or ad-supported—as a result of each fan issues and each play ought to rely.”

“After a decade-long partnership and intensive discussions, they’re unwilling to make significant modifications,” it concludes. “Therefore, after January 16, 2026, our information will not be delivered to Billboard or factored into their charts. We are dedicated to attaining equitable illustration throughout the charts and hopefully can work with Billboard to return to theirs.”

A spokesperson for Billboard has since launched a press release in response to YouTube’s announcement.

“There are so some ways a fan can help an artist they love, and every has a particular place within the music ecosystem,” it reads. “Billboard strives to measure that exercise appropriately; balanced by varied elements together with shopper entry, income evaluation, information validation and business steering. It is our hope that YouTube reconsiders and joins Billboard in recognizing the attain and recognition of artists on all music platforms and in celebrating their achievements via the ability of followers and the way they work together with the music that they love.”

YouTube’s choice to drag its streaming information from Billboard’s charts comes shortly after Billboard introduced a serious rule change. In the brand new yr, subscription streams will likely be weighted extra closely than ad-supported streams. This implies that now, subscription streams will likely be counted at a 1:2.5 ratio in comparison with ad-supported streams.