YouTube Will Stop Submitting Data to U.S. Billboard Charts in 2026

YouTube will stop submitting its data to the U.S. Billboard charts next month due to a dispute over how streams are counted, according to an announcement Wednesday from the streamer’s global head of music Lyor Cohen.

At the center of the issue is the methodology by which Billboard counts paid/subscription versus ad-supported (i.e. free) streams: While Billboard updated its chart rules on Monday to upgrade ad-supported streams — increasing from 1:3 to 1:2.5, i.e. 2.5 ad-supported streams now equal one paid/subscription stream — YouTube has long argued that they should be weighted equally.

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Billboard — which frequently updates its charts’ methodology — has stated that it does not consider all streams to be equal, arguing that a person hearing a clip playing in the background of a video is not the same as a person seeking out a song on Spotify. It applies similar weighting to other streaming services.

YouTube will continue to submit its data to Luminate, which is a primary source for Billboard’s chart information. (Billboard, Luminate and Variety are all owned by Penske Media Corporation.)

In the announcement, posted on YouTube Music’s blog, Cohen argues, “We believe every fan matters and every play should count equally, therefore after January 16, YouTube data will no longer be delivered or factored into the U.S. Billboard charts.

“Billboard uses an outdated formula that weights subscription-supported streams higher than ad-supported,” he continues. “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,” he concludes.

In response, a spokesperson for Billboard said in a statement: “There are so many ways a fan can support an artist they love, and each has a specific place in the music ecosystem. Billboard strives to measure that activity appropriately; balanced by various factors including consumer access, revenue analysis, data validation and industry guidance. It is our hope that YouTube reconsiders and joins Billboard in recognizing the reach and popularity of artists on all music platforms and in celebrating their achievements though the power of fans and how they interact with the music that they love.”