Billboard has revised how it weighs free versus paid streams in its chart calculations, a methodology shift announced Monday (November 9). The change arrives alongside news that YouTube is resuming its data submissions to Billboard, having previously withheld figures used in chart compilation.
The dual announcements signal a recalibration of how on-demand audio and video consumption factor into the charts, with YouTube’s renewed participation expected to affect rankings across Billboard’s platforms. Details on the specific weighting adjustments and their impact on current and future chart positions were not fully outlined.
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