A change to YouTube’s inclusion on the U.S. Billboard charts

Update November 9, 2026: We are returning to the Billboard charts starting in 2027. Billboard’s new methodology better reflects how fans engage with music today across both subscription and ad-supported services.

Original article December 17, 2025: YouTube is where billions of fans worldwide connect with music, from official music videos and live streams to channels like NPR Tiny Desk. The incredible work artists do to build a community on YouTube and their massive fan engagement is being undervalued in Billboard’s charts.

Billboard uses an outdated formula that weights subscription-supported streams higher than ad-supported.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. 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.

After a decade-long partnership and extensive discussions, they are unwilling to make meaningful changes. Therefore, after January 16, 2026, our data will no longer be delivered to Billboard or factored into their charts.

We are committed to achieving equitable representation across the charts and hopefully can work with Billboard to return to theirs. Until then, if you're curious about what music is making waves on YouTube, you can visit our charts here.