---
title: "YouTube Resumes Data Sharing with Billboard for Music Charts"
url: https://noti.group/youtube-resumes-data-sharing-with-billboard-for-music-charts/
language: en
publisher: "Noti Group"
section: "Technology"
published: 2026-11-09T19:39:41.000Z
updated: 2026-11-10T00:01:13.640Z
id: c284b8cf-8000-48a1-bb2a-048ec401600a
source: "TechCrunch https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/09/youtube-streaming-data-returns-to-billboard-charts-ending-major-disagreement/"
attribution: "Link to https://noti.group/youtube-resumes-data-sharing-with-billboard-for-music-charts/ and name Noti Group when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# YouTube Resumes Data Sharing with Billboard for Music Charts

YouTube has agreed to resume sharing its data with Billboard after changes were made to the chart formula that now places more weight on ad-supported streams.

YouTube has ended its disagreement with Billboard over music stream counting by agreeing to resume sharing its data for chart rankings in 2027.

The decision comes after changes were made to Billboard's chart formula, which now places more weight on ad-supported streams. This adjustment is a major shift from the previous system, where paid subscription streaming was given greater importance.

The disagreement between YouTube and Billboard started in December 2025 when YouTube announced it would no longer share its streaming data with Billboard. The move was a response to Billboard's chart formula, which YouTube felt favored paid subscriptions over free ad-supported listening.

YouTube argued that the old system did not accurately reflect how people consume music today, citing that most fans listen for free through ads rather than paid subscriptions. This view is shared by Lyor Cohen, YouTube's global head of music, who has criticized Billboard's formula as outdated and unfair to non-subscribers.

The previous chart formula had given 1,000 paid streams the same value as 2,500 ad-supported streams, which YouTube saw as disproportionate in favor of paid listening. With millions of fans discovering artists through free streaming, YouTube felt that this system did not give due credit to these listeners.

The updated formula used by Billboard to calculate album consumption units has reduced the disparity between paid streams and ad-supported streams. Under this revised system, 1,000 paid streams are now equivalent to 1,500 ad-supported streams in terms of their contribution to an artist's chart position.

This change is significant for artists who rely heavily on YouTube to reach new audiences. Music videos, live performances, and other content on the platform have become essential tools for independent musicians and those with global fan bases. With the inclusion of YouTube data, these artists can expect a more accurate reflection of their music consumption in Billboard charts.

Billboard's decision to incorporate YouTube streaming data will also provide a more comprehensive understanding of how people engage with music. By accounting for a larger segment of music listeners, the organization will have a more complete picture of music consumption patterns.

The music industry is set to benefit from a more accurate picture of its consumption patterns, thanks to YouTube's decision to resume providing streaming data to Billboard charts.

This move comes after months of disagreement between the two entities over how to measure music streaming activity. By accounting for a larger segment of music listeners, the organization will have a more complete picture of music consumption patterns.

The inclusion of YouTube streaming data is expected to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the industry's trends and preferences, ultimately benefiting artists, labels, and other stakeholders in the music business.

---
Source: [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/11/09/youtube-streaming-data-returns-to-billboard-charts-ending-major-disagreement/)  
Published by Noti Group: https://noti.group/youtube-resumes-data-sharing-with-billboard-for-music-charts/