YouTube has confirmed that it will end its chart data partnership with Billboard, bringing a close to a relationship that has shaped how music popularity has been measured in the streaming era for more than a decade. Beginning in January 2026, YouTube streams will no longer be factored into major U.S. charts including the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard 200, marking a significant shift in the way chart performance is calculated.
The decision follows a prolonged disagreement over Billboard’s methodology for weighting streams. Under the current system, paid subscription streams — such as those from Spotify Premium or Apple Music — carry more weight than ad-supported or free streams. While YouTube views have been included in Billboard’s charts since 2013, the platform has repeatedly argued that the weighting system undervalues the scale and cultural impact of free fan engagement, particularly on video-first platforms.
Earlier this year, Billboard announced changes to its chart formulas that slightly increased the value of ad-supported streams. However, YouTube said the revisions did not go far enough. According to the company, the continued prioritisation of paid streams reflects an outdated view of music consumption and fails to account for how modern audiences discover and engage with songs, especially through music videos and viral moments.
In statements made to industry publications, YouTube maintained that a stream should be treated equally regardless of whether it comes from a subscription or an ad-supported listener. With no agreement reached, the platform confirmed it would withdraw its data entirely rather than continue under a methodology it does not support.
The move is expected to have noticeable implications for chart outcomes, particularly for artists and genres that thrive on visual storytelling and global video consumption. Music videos that rack up hundreds of millions — or even billions — of views on YouTube have historically played a role in propelling songs up the Billboard Hot 100. Without that data, chart performance may increasingly skew toward audio-focused streaming platforms and radio airplay.
Despite the split, Billboard will continue to calculate its charts using a combination of paid and free audio streams from other platforms, along with digital sales and radio data. YouTube, meanwhile, continues to publish its own global and regional music charts, positioning them as an alternative reflection of audience engagement.
As the industry continues to debate what chart success should represent in a fragmented streaming landscape, YouTube’s exit underscores a growing tension between traditional chart metrics and the evolving ways fans consume music today.
Like what you read? Show our writer some love!
-