Billboard to Begin Factoring YouTube Views for Hot 100 Lists

With YouTube currently hard at work stripping billions of fraudulent views from alleged “fake viewers,” today it looks like these updated stats could translate into even more for musicians and labels as Billboard has just announced that they plan to start factoring in YouTube video streaming data to its platforms, which includes an update to the methodology for its Billboard Hot 100. Billboard went on to state:

The YouTube streaming data is now factored into the chart’s ranking, enhancing a formula that includes Nielsen’s digital download track sales and physical singles sales; as well as terrestrial radio airplay, on-demand audio streaming, and online radio streaming, also tracked by Nielsen.

Billboard is now incorporating all official videos on YouTube captured by Nielsen’s streaming measurement, including Vevo on YouTube, and user-generated clips that utilize authorized audio into the Hot 100 and the Hot 100 formula-based genre charts – Hot Country Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, R&B Songs, Rap Songs, Hot Latin Songs, Hot Rock Songs and Dance/Electronic Songs – to further reflect the divergent platforms for music consumption in today’s world.

One single which looks to benefit greatly from the newly incorporated statistical addition is Baauer’s viral sensation “Harlem Shake,” which would have landed No. 3 on Hot Digital Songs, and placed within the top 15 on the Hot 100. Other singles which would have benefited include Rihanna’s “Stay” and Drake’s “Started from the Bottom.” The updated Hot 100, Hot 100-based genre charts and Streaming Songs chart will be available on Billboard.com tomorrow morning. You can check out the full announcement by clicking here.