YouTube Clicks Included In Billboard Chart

[The Straight Story]

Clicks on YouTube music videos are counting towards the US singles chart for the first time.

Billboard has said that a "major shake-up" means that data from the website is now one of the factors used to decide who makes it to number one in the Hot 100.

This week's US chart shows what is now possible: Baauer's Harlem Shake track - a hit on YouTube with thousands of copycat videos - has ranked at number one.

Physical sales combined with radio airplay was the traditional measure of deciding the Billboard Hot 100, with digital downloads and music streaming services being included in recent years.

But the inclusion of clicks on YouTube means that a viral video can now hit the top spot, even if it is being outsold or outplayed on the radio.

http://news.sky.com/story/1055495/youtube-clicks-included-in-billboard-chart

[rocktivity]

1. Which means the record labels and promoters will simply start paying people to click

Like with the now defunct Power Play music video channel. It was advertised as "music videos that YOU control," as long as you could afford to pay people to request certain videos...


rocktivity

[rocktivity]

2. I've learned a little more about this Harlem Shake track

Last edited Thu Feb 28, 2013, 02:20 AM - Edit history (2)

It's not a track at all, it's a glorified thirty-second video game.

Sure, it's a comic look at human inhibition. But it has nothing to do with the original Harlem Shake, and to propose it as a legitimate musical piece worthy of a record chart is an insult to everyone who has ever attempted to write a song worth listening to.

rocktivity

[rocktivity]

3. The Harlem Shake has now officially gotten out of hand

They're even doing it under water!

rocktivity