● Covered by 2 sources · 2 reportsMedium impact2 neutral
YouTube Streaming Data to Return to Billboard Charts in 2027 After Formula Change
Key points
- YouTube will rejoin Billboard charts in January 2027.
- The decision follows Billboard's updated chart formula.
- Ad-supported streams now have increased weight in calculations.
- Previously, 2,500 ad-supported streams equaled 1 album unit; now it's 1,500.
- YouTube stopped sharing data in December 2025 over valuation concerns.
YouTube Returns to Billboard Charts
YouTube is set to resume sharing its streaming data with Billboard starting in January 2027. This marks the end of a disagreement that began in December 2025 when YouTube ceased providing its data to the music chart compiler. The return follows Billboard's recent adjustments to its chart methodology.
Changes to Chart Formula
The core of the resolution is Billboard's updated chart formula, which now gives more weight to ad-supported streams. Previously, Billboard's calculations required 2,500 ad-supported streams to equal one album consumption unit. Under the new system, 1,500 ad-supported streams will count as one album consumption unit, aligning more closely with the 1,000 paid streams equivalent.
This adjustment reduces the margin between free and paid listens, though Billboard continues to weight streams from paid subscribers higher than free ones.
Background of the Disagreement
The dispute originated from YouTube's assertion that Billboard's previous formula undervalued ad-supported listening. Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s global head of music, stated in December 2025 that the system did not accurately reflect how people consume music, noting that streaming accounts for 84% of U.S. recorded music revenue. YouTube argued that the formula favored paid subscriptions and did not adequately credit engagement from fans who listen for free with ads.
Impact on Music Charts
YouTube's performance data will once again factor into major Billboard charts, including the Billboard 200, Hot 100, album genre charts, and multi-metric song charts. The inclusion of YouTube's extensive streaming data is intended to provide a more comprehensive representation of music consumption across the industry.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
YouTube will once again contribute data to Billboard chart calculations starting in January 2027, after previously announcing its withdrawal. This change follows Billboard's decision to give more weight to free, ad-supported listening in its methodology. Billboard will now count 1,500 ad-supported streams as one album consumption unit, a reduction from the previous 2,500 streams.
YouTube will resume sharing its streaming data with Billboard in 2027, following Billboard's update to its chart formula. The new formula reduces the disparity between paid and ad-supported streams, addressing YouTube's previous concerns about undervaluing free listening. This change aims to provide a more complete representation of music consumption on the charts.