Jesse James
Technology has changed everything about our modern lives. From the way we travel, all the way to the way we digest information; our lives are much more modern than ever. With the ever-changing world of technology moving forward, Billboard is back with some interesting news. Today the word comes down that Billboard will start factoring video and audio data from YouTube to its Billboard 200. The move will begin on the chart starting January 18th, 2020, along with officially licensed video plays from Apple, Spotify, TIDAL, and Vevo. This is certainly a big move, one that shifts the Billboard 200 chart’s measure from pure sales to a consumption model.
However, only official licensed videos uploaded by or on behalf of the rights holders will be included in the calculations. Deanna Brown, president of Billboard-The Hollywood Reporter Media Group, released a statement. She said, “As the steward of the definitive charts that uphold the industry’s measurement of music consumption, our goal is to continually respond and accurately reflect the changing landscape of the music.” Ms. Brown went on to add, “Our decision to add YouTube and other video streaming data to our album charts reflects the continuing evolution of the music consumption market and the ways in which consumers connect to album-related content.”
Billboard 200 Chart Makes Changes
Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s Global Head of Music, also opened up about the move. He stated that the move changes a “very important moment in making the chart a more accurate representation of what people are listening to.” He also added, “Genres like Latin, hip-hop and electronic, which consistently dominate the YouTube charts, will now be properly recognized for their popularity. This is another great step in bringing YouTube and the industry together, and we’re so grateful to Billboard and the music business at large for making this addition.”
This is certainly an interesting one, but is it one you agree with? Let us know your thoughts via social media and keep it locked right here with The Culture Curators for more music and entertainment news coming soon.
