The Recording Industry Association of America(RIAA) announced that it will integrate digital streams into its Gold Record and Platinum Program - a program first developed and implemented in 1958 in order to create a standard by which the industry could measure a sound recording. Based upon the change in format, on-demand audio and video streams will count toward qualification for the Gold Record, Platinum and Multi-Platinum certifications. This change includes on-demand audio and video streams from popular services like Spotify, MOG, Rdio, VEVO, Youtube and many others. The adjustment follows a policy adopted by Billboard earlier this year, which allows for official Youtube streams to be counted in their data. Recordings already certified at a certain level by the RIAA will receive upgrades in status in accordance with the addition of digital streaming data. The RIAA provided a bit of detail regarding the changes,
“On-demand streams on digital music services that are authorized by and reported to the record labels, whether paid for by the consumer through a subscription or free to the consumer through ad-supported services, will be accepted for RIAA certifications. Only official label/company videos count towards certification; user generated videos do not.”
RIAA Chairman & CEO Cary Sherman commented on the matter:
“Including music streaming in Gold Record & Platinum awards marks the continued evolution of the industry’s premier program for recognizing artistic achievement, and it reflects the wide spectrum of ways consumers enjoy music from their favorite bands. The music business, along with its incredible array of digital service partners, is offering fans more access to music than ever before. We’re thrilled that our awards will now more fully recognize artists’ commercial success today.”
Spotted at HHNM
