In the United States, theRecording Industry Association of America(RIAA) operates an awards program based on the certified number ofalbumsandsinglessold through retail and other ancillary markets.[1]Other countries have similar awards (seemusic recording certification). Certification is not automatic; for an award to be made, therecord labelmust first request certification.[2]The audit is conducted against net shipments after returns (most often an artist's royalty statement is used), which includes albums sold directly to retailers and one-stops, direct-to-consumer sales (music clubs andmail order) and other outlets.
Audit of RIAA certifications
editThe association is popularly known for its traditional gold and platinumcertificationof albums and songs in the United States and also participates in collective recording rights management. The private companyGelfand, Rennert & Feldman (GR&F)is responsible for auditing RIAA sales. According to the Recording Industry Association of America's official website, "All certification audits are conducted, for a fee, by Gelfand, Rennert and Feldman, LLP (GR&F) for the RIAA. If multiple certification levels are certified simultaneously, only an audit certification fee will be charged."[3][4]The RIAA website also mentions privately held Rennert and Feldman, LLP (GR&F) as RIAA auditors in all certification correspondence.[4][3]
Description and qualifications
edit
A Gold record is a song or album that sells 500,000 units (records, tapes, and compact discs). The award was launched in 1958;[5]originally, the requirement for a Gold single was one million units sold and a Gold album represented $1 million in sales (at wholesale value, around a third of the list price).[6]In 1975, the additional requirement of 500,000 units sold was added for Gold albums.[6]Reflecting growth in record sales, the Platinum award was added in 1976, for albums that sold one million units and for singles selling two million units.[6][7]The Multi-Platinum award was introduced in 1984, signifying multiple Platinum levels of albums and singles.[8]In 1989, the sales thresholds for singles were reduced to 500,000 for Gold and 1,000,000 for Platinum, reflecting a decrease in sales of singles.[9]In 1992, RIAA began counting each disc in a multi-disc set as one unit toward certification. Reflecting additional growth in music sales, the Diamond award was instituted in 1999 for albums or singles selling ten million units.[5]Because of these changes in criteria, the sales level associated with a particular award depends on when the award was made.
Nielsen SoundScanfigures are not used in RIAA certification; the RIAA system predates Nielsen SoundScan and includes sales outlets Nielsen misses.[citation needed]Prior to Nielsen SoundScan, RIAA certification was the only audited and verifiable system for tracking music sales in the U.S.; it is still the only system capable of tracking 100% of sales (albeit as shipments less returns, not actual sales like Nielsen SoundScan).[citation needed]This system has permitted, at times, record labels to promote an album as Gold or Platinum simply based on large shipments. For instance, in 1978 theSgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Bandsoundtrack shipped Platinum but was a sales bust, with two million returns.[10]Similarly, all four solo albums by the members ofKisssimultaneously shipped Platinum that same year but did not reach the top 20 of theBillboard200album chart.[11]The following year, the RIAA began requiring 120 days from the release date before recordings were eligible for certification, although that requirement has been reduced over the years and currently stands at 30 days. Upon criticism on why the RIAA won't adopt SoundScan as its source, Hilary Rosen, president of the recording association, defended their system: “We think the certification process represents an accurate sales picture and we’re comfortable with the numbers we release.”[12]
In the digital era, changes in the way music is consumed resulted in changes in the certification criteria. Actual album sales had dropped significantly, while digital download followed by streaming became increasingly dominant. On-demand audio and video streams started to be counted towards Digital Single units consumed in 2013.[13][14]Track downloads and audio and video streams were then included in album certification in 2016 using formulas converting downloads and streams into the album units for certification purpose.[15]
List of certifications
edit
Records
edit- 500,000 units: Gold album
- 1,000,000 units: Platinum album
- 2,000,000+ (in increments of 1,000,000 thereafter) units: Multi-Platinum album
- 10,000,000 units: Diamond album
Starting from February 1, 2016, each album unit may be one of the following:[15][16]
- Each permanent digital album or physical album sale;
- 10 tracks from the album downloaded;
- 1,500 on-demand audio or video streams of songs from the album.
Multi-disc
editMulti-disc albums are counted once for each disc within the album if it is over 100 minutes in length or is from the vinyl era. For example,the Smashing Pumpkins'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness(running time of 121:39) andOutKast'sSpeakerboxxx/The Love Below(running time of 134:56), bothdouble albums,were counted twice, meaning each album was certified diamond after 5 million copies were shipped.Pink Floyd'sThe Wallandthe Beatles'White Album,both vinyl-era, are also counted as double even though their running times are under the minimum requirement. Rules may or may not apply depending on most recent staff within the Distributions position.
Latin
editSince 2000, the RIAA also awardsLos Premios de Oro y De Platino(Gold and Platinum Awards inSpanish) toLatinalbums, which are defined by the RIAA as a type of product that features at least 51% of content in Spanish.[17]
| Certification | Units required (as of December 20, 2013) |
Units required (before December 20, 2013) |
|---|---|---|
| Disco de Oro | 30,000 | 50,000 |
| Disco de Platino | 60,000 | 100,000 |
| Disco de Multi-Platino | 120,000 | 200,000 |
| Disco de Diamante | 600,000 | 1,000,000 |
Note:The number of sales required to qualify for Oro and Platino awards was higher prior to January 1, 2008.[18]The thresholds were 100,000 units (Oro) and 200,000 units (Platino). All Spanish-language albums certified prior to 2008 were updated to match the current certification at the time.[18][20]"La Bomba"by Bolivian groupAzul Azulis the only single to receive a Latin certification based on shipments before the creation of the Latin digital singles awards in 2013.[21]TheDisco de Diamanteaward was introduced after the RIAA updated the thresholds for Latin certifications on December 20, 2013. TheDisco de Diamanteis awarded to Latin albums that have been certified 10× Platinum.[22][23]
Singles
editStandard singles are certified:
- Gold when it ships 500,000 copies
- Platinum when it ships 1,000,000 copies
- Multi-Platinum when it ships at least 2,000,000 copies
Note: The number of sales required to qualify for Gold and Platinum discs was higher prior to January 1, 1989. The thresholds were previously 1,000,000 units (Gold) and 2,000,000 units (Platinum).[24]
Digital singles are certified:
- Gold means 500,000 certification units
- Platinum means 1,000,000 certification units
- Multi-Platinum means 2,000,000+ certification units
From 2004 through July 2006, the certification level was 100,000 downloads for Gold and 200,000 for Platinum. When the RIAA changed the certification standards to match retail distribution in August 2006, all Platinum and Multi-Platinum awards for a digital release were withdrawn. Gold certifications, however, were not, meaning a song that was downloaded over 100,000 times and certified so by the RIAA during that time frame retains its Gold status.[25]
Starting May 9, 2013, RIAA certifications for singles in the "digital" category include on-demand audio and/or video song streams in addition to downloads at a rate of 100 streams = 1 certification "unit".[13][26]On February 1, 2016, this rate was updated to 150 streams = 1 certification unit.[14]
Latin digital singles are certified:
- Disco de Oro (Gold) means 30,000 certification units
- Disco de Platino (Platinum) means 60,000 certification units
- Disco de Multi-Platino (Multi-Platinum) means 120,000+ certification units
The Latin Digital Single Awards began on December 20, 2013. As with the digital sales, 100 streams count as one download sale.[19]
Video Longform
editAlong with albums, digital albums, and singles there is another classification of music release called "Video Longform." This release format includes DVD and VHS releases, and certain live albums and compilation albums. The certification criteria are slightly different from other styles.[27][28]
- Gold: 50,000 copies
- Platinum: 100,000 copies
- Multi-Platinum: 200,000 copies
Video Single
editFor Video Single certification, the title must contain no more than two songs and must have a running time of no more than 15 minutes. The certification criteria are:[28]
- Gold: 25,000 copies
- Platinum: 50,000 copies
- Multi-Platinum: 100,000 copies
As of 2021[update],the titles certified the most Video Single awards are "Here Without You"by3 Doors DownandElvis Presley's "A Little Less Conversation",both winning 6× Platinum for 300,000 copies.[29]Since 2010, only 5 titles have been certified Video Single. The latest Gold was awarded to "R40" byRushin 2017.[30]
Video Box Set
editThe Video Box Set (or Multi-Box Music Video Set) award is a classification for video compilations that include three or more videos that are grouped and marketed together as a set. Like Video Longform, this includes DVD and VHS releases and the certification criteria are the same. Each individual video within set is counted as one toward certification.[28]
- Gold: 50,000 copies
- Platinum: 100,000 copies
- Multi-Platinum: 200,000 copies
The best-selling video box set as certified by the RIAA isthe Rolling Stones'Four FlicksDVD compilation from theirLicks World Tour,with a 19× Multi-Platinum designation. This was likely achieved due to exclusive distribution rights owned by retailerBest Buyby their short-lived music production company, Redline Entertainment.[31][32]
Master Ringtone
editMaster Ringtone (mastertone) awards were introduced in 2006.[33]Certification levels are identical to those of singles, 500,000 for Gold and 1,000,000 for Platinum and 2,000,000+ Multi-Platinum.
Many Master Ringtone certifications were awarded until 2009, but since then only ten certifications were awarded in 2010, three in 2012 and three in 2019, all three toAC/DC.[34]
Records
editLists from RIAA site showing current status holders of RIAA Certifications:
Artists with the most album certifications
editMost Platinum
edit
This list show the artists with at least 10 platinum albums (excluding compilations).
Most Diamond
edit
This table tracks artists with at least two Diamond certified albums.
Artists with the most single certifications
editMost Platinum
edit
This table tracks artists with some number of singles that have received at least 20 digital platinum certifications (excluding features).
Most Diamond
edit
This table tracks artists with some number of singles that have received at least 2 Diamond certifications.
- Post Malone currently has 9 Diamond Certified singles, but 10 Diamond Certifications by "Sunflower", first and only double-Diamond Certified single with 20 million units sold.
RIAA Diamond certifications
editSee also: acomprehensivelist of certified works with Diamond status at RIAA's website.
Albums
edit| Year of release | Artist(s) | Title | Certification | Year of certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Eagles | Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975) | 38× Platinum | 2018 |
| 1982 | Michael Jackson | Thriller | 34× Platinum | 2021 |
| 1980 | AC/DC | Back in Black | 27× Platinum | 2024 |
| 1976 | Eagles | Hotel California | 26× Platinum | 2018 |
| 1971 | Led Zeppelin | Led Zeppelin IV | 24× Platinum | 2021 |
| 1968 | The Beatles | The Beatles | 24× Platinum | 2019 |
| 1985 | Billy Joel | Greatest Hits – Volume I & Volume II | 23× Platinum | 2011 |
| 1998 | Garth Brooks | Double Live | 23× Platinum | 2023 |
| 1979 | Pink Floyd | The Wall | 23× Platinum | 1999 |
| 1994 | Hootie & the Blowfish | Cracked Rear View | 22× Platinum | 2024 |
| 1977 | Fleetwood Mac | Rumours | 21× Platinum | 2023 |
| 1997 | Shania Twain | Come On Over | 20× Platinum | 2004 |
| 1994 | Green Day | Dookie | 20× Platinum | 2024 |
Singles
edit| Year of release | Artist(s) | Title | Certification | Year of certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Post Malone&Swae Lee | "Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)" | 20× Platinum | 2024 |
| 1981 | Journey | "Don't Stop Believin'" | 18× Platinum | 2024 |
| 2014 | Ed Sheeran | "Thinking Out Loud" | 2024 | |
| 2015 | Chris Stapleton | "Tennessee Whiskey" | 17× Platinum | 2024 |
| 2019 | Lil Nas X | "Old Town Road"(featuringBilly Ray Cyrus) | 2022 | |
| 2018 | Drake | "God's Plan" | 16× Platinum | 2023 |
| 2012 | Imagine Dragons | "Radioactive" | 2023 | |
| 2016 | Travis Scott | "Goosebumps"(featuringKendrick Lamar) | 2024 | |
| 2016 | The Chainsmokers | "Closer"(featuringHalsey) | 15× Platinum | 2022 |
| 2013 | Katy Perry | "Roar" | 2024 | |
| 2018 | Travis Scott | "Sicko Mode"(featuringDrake) | 2024 |
| Year of release | Artist(s) | Title | Certification | Year of certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Elton John | "Something About the Way You Look Tonight"/"Candle in the Wind 1997" | 11× Platinum | 1997 |
| 1956 | Elvis Presley | "Hound Dog"/"Don't Be Cruel" | 4× Platinum | 1999 |
| 1992 | Whitney Houston | "I Will Always Love You" | 1992 | |
| 1985 | USA for Africa | "We Are the World" | 1985 | |
| 1992 | Los del Río | "Macarena" | 1996 | |
| 1968 | The Beatles | "Hey Jude" | 1999 | |
| 1993 | Tag Team | "Whoomp! (There It Is)" | 1999 | |
| 1991 | Bryan Adams | "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" | 3× Platinum | 1991 |
RIAA Diamante Latin certifications
editSee also: acomprehensivelist of certified works with Latin Diamond status at RIAA's website.
Albums (Latin)
edit| Year of release | Artist(s) | Title | Certification | Standard certification | Year of certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Selena | Dreaming of You | 59× Platinum (Latin) | 3× Platinum | 2017 |
| 1994 | Selena | Amor Prohibido | 36× Platinum (Latin) | 2× Platinum | 2017 |
| 2014 | Romeo Santos | Formula, Vol. 2 | 31× Platinum (Latin) | N/A | 2024 |
| 2017 | Ozuna | Odisea | 28× Platinum (Latin) | N/A | 2022 |
| 2020 | Bad Bunny | YHLQMDLG | 24× Platinum (Latin) | N/A | 2021 |
| 2019 | Luis Fonsi | Vida | 22× Platinum (Latin) | N/A | 2019 |
| 2004 | Juanes | Mi Sangre | 18× Platinum (Latin) | N/A | 2019 |
| 2002 | Juanes | Un Día Normal | N/A | 2022 | |
| 2002 | Selena | Ones | Gold | 2017 | |
| 1993 | Gloria Estefan | Mi Tierra | 16× Platinum (Latin) | Platinum | 2000 |
| 2006 | Maná | Amar es Combatir | Gold | 2023 | |
| 2011 | Romeo Santos | Formula, Vol. 1 | 15× Platinum (Latin) | N/A | 2022 |
Singles (Latin)
edit| Year of release | Artist(s) | Title | Certification | Year of certification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Nio García, Casper Mágico,Bad Bunny,Ozuna,Darell&Nicky Jam | "Te Boté (Remix)" | 71× Platinum (Latin) 10× Diamante |
2023 |
| 2019 | Jhayco,Bad Bunny,J Balvin | "No Me Conoce"(Remix) | 9× Diamond (Latin) | 2024 |
| 2017 | J Balvin&Willy William | "Mi Gente"(FeaturingBeyoncé) | 68× Platinum (Latin) | 2018 |
| 2013 | Romeo Santos | "Propuesta Indecente" | 65× Platinum (Latin) 2× Diamante |
2024 |
| 2017 | Luis Fonsi&Daddy Yankee | "Despacito" | 55× Platinum (Latin) 13× Platinum |
2017 |
| 2021 | Farruko | "Pepas" | 52× Platinum (Latin) | 2023 |
| 2017 | Becky G&Bad Bunny | "Mayores" | 46× Platinum (Latin) | 2021 |
| 2017 | Maluma | "Felices los 4" | 44× Platinum (Latin) | 2021 |
| 2018 | Daddy Yankee | "Dura" | 43× Platinum (Latin) | 2020 |
| 2019 | Sech&Darell | "Otro Trago" | 42× Platinum (Latin) Diamante |
2023 |
| 2019 | Daddy Yankee | "Con Calma"(FeaturingSnow) | 41× Platinum (Latin) Diamante |
2020 |
| 2019 | Karol G&Nicki Minaj | "Tusa" | 2021 | |
| 2014 | Romeo Santos | "Eres Mía" | 39× Platinum (Latin) Diamante |
2022 |
| 2018 | Becky G&Natti Natasha | "Sin Pijama" | 38× Platinum (Latin) Diamante |
2021 |
| 2018 | DJ Luian,Mambo Kingz,Ozuna,Bad Bunny,Wisin&Almighty | "Solita" | 2023 | |
| 2022 | Karol G | "Provenza" | 36× Platinum (Latin) | 2023 |
| 2018 | Nicky Jam&J Balvin | "X" | 2019 | |
| 2011 | Romeo Santos | "Promise"(FeaturingUsher) | 34× Platinum (Latin) Diamante |
2022 |
| 2014 | Romeo Santos | "Odio"(FeaturingDrake) | 2022 | |
| 2005 | Shakira | "La Tortura" | 32× Platinum (Latin) 3× Diamante |
2018 |
| 2013 | Prince Royce | "Darte un Beso" | 31× Platinum (Latin) | 2021 |
See also
edit
References
edit- ^RIAA certification criteria.Retrieved on September 11, 2006
- ^"Apply - RIAA".RIAA.Retrieved2016-01-23.
- ^ab"riaa and gr&f certification audit requirements"(PDF).RIAA.
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- ^abcWhite, Adam (1990).The Billboard Book of Gold & Platinum Records.Billboard Books. p. viii.ISBN978-0-7119-2196-2.
- ^Grein, Paul (November 30, 2012)."Chart Watch Extra: Where" Thriller "Ranks".Chart Watch.Yahoo Music.RetrievedDecember 5,2012.
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- ^White, Adam (1990).The Billboard Book of Gold & Platinum Records.Billboard Books. p.3.ISBN978-0-7119-2196-2.
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- ^Lendt, C.K. (1997).Kiss and Sell: The Making of a Supergroup.p. 95.
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- ^ab"RIAA Debuts Album Award With Streams".RIAA.February 1, 2016.
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{{cite web}}:CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link) - ^"RIAA Launches 'Los Premios de Oro y De Platino' to Recognize Top Latin Artists"(Press release). RIAA. January 25, 2000. Archived fromthe originalon July 15, 2011.RetrievedFebruary 15,2011.
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- ^Grein, Paul (May 14, 1989)."New Golden Rule: 500,000 Sales Mark for All Singles".Los Angeles Times.Retrieved12 November2010.
- ^Whitburn, Joel(2009).Top Pop Singles 1955-2008(12th ed.). Record Research. p. 14.ISBN978-0-89820-180-2.
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{{cite magazine}}:CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)Retrieved on May 14, 2008 - ^abc"About the Awards - RIAA".RIAA.Retrieved2018-08-16.
- ^"Gold & Platinum – Video Single".RIAA.Archived fromthe originalon 2021-06-18.Retrieved18 June2021.
- ^"Gold & Platinum – Video Single by date".RIAA.Archived fromthe originalon 2021-06-18.Retrieved18 June2021.
- ^Inc, Nielsen Business Media (2003-10-18).Billboard.Nielsen Business Media, Inc.
{{cite book}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^"Gold & Platinum - RIAA".RIAA.Retrieved2018-08-16.
- ^Horaczek, S. (June 18, 2006)."RIAA establishes Master Ringtone Sales Award".Engadget.Retrieved6 September2021.
- ^"Gold & Platinum - Mastertone".RIAA.Retrieved6 September2021.