[Saph]

As fans may remember, video streaming giant Youtube cracked down on the likes of Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and Rihanna for reporting millions of fake views to their high performing Youtube channels…

Well, now we know why.

For, today saw music industry Bible ‘Billboard’ announce that it will factor in Youtube views (with digital downloads and radio airplay) to determine song’s chart rankings…


Report via Billboard:

“Billboard and Nielsen announced today the addition of U.S. YouTube video streaming data to its platforms, which includes an update to the methodology for the Billboard Hot 100, the preeminent singles chart.

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.”

seems silly to me.. a view on YouTube doesn't equal a music download :/ the value of a #1 will decrease..