In a move that will surely be welcome, The Official Charts today announced a massive change that is coming to the charts. From 6th July (next Friday), videos will count towards the weekly rundown for the first time ever.
The addition of video streams is designed to ensure the chart remains a showcase for hit music, however music fans choose to access it. The Official Singles Chart will continue to be the only official and most comprehensive countdown in the UK market, reflecting sales of downloads, CD and vinyl, as well as streams of audio or video tracks, whether on premium subscription or ad-funded services.
The services which will contribute video streams to the chart will include Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music and Tidal, who have all added video to their platform over the past year.
Official Charts Company chief executive, Martin Talbot, said: “This is a significant step for the UK and ensures The Official Chart continues to be the most comprehensive and trusted chart in the UK, bar none. Consumption of recorded music via more than 15,000 retailers, download stores and streaming services of all kinds contribute to the weekly chart countdown.
“In the modern era, artists are increasingly multi-faceted creators, with a highly developed visual sense running in parallel with their music. The addition of video ensures that the Official Singles Chart reflects the creativity of the artist in the broadest way possible – and music fans’ engagement with that vision.”
Official Charts Company non-executive chairman Derek Allen (svp commercial for Warner Music UK) added: "It’s always been important that the Official Charts keep pace with an ever evolving and dynamic market, while also retaining their integrity, something which has set the UK charts apart from many of those operating elsewhere around the world. These latest changes are just another step down that road.”
This change will most surely be welcomed by those who have in the past accused the Official Charts of being out of touch with the ways in which music is consumed now. Back in 2008 the Official Charts had the first of many revamps when it dropped 'Company' from its name, in 2015 it changed its chart methodology from the traditional Sunday slot to Friday and just last year its methodology was once again changed to better reflect streaming.
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