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YouTube

Do music video streams on YouTube count for Billboard charts?

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Yes, music video streams on YouTube do count towards Billboard charts. Specifically, official video plays from YouTube, along with visual plays from other music streaming services like Apple, Spotify, and Tidal are factored into the Billboard 200 albums chart. This inclusion reflects the evolving landscape of music consumption and ensures that the charts accurately represent what people are listening to.

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For the Billboard Hot 100 and other song-specific charts, YouTube streams have been included since February 2013. However, only official licensed video content uploaded by or on behalf of rights holders is counted.

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Remember: Only US based plays are counted for Billboard charts. 

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IMPORTANT! In order to ensure you’re watching an officially licensed music video, make sure the video is on the INB100 official YouTube channel. 

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How do I make my YouTube streams count? 

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The key is to act like a human, not a robot! 

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How to Stream

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  1. Log Into Your YouTube Account
    Sign in with your personal Google account. Being logged in ensures that your view will be recorded as part of your engagement history (and YouTube’s algorithms are better able to track valid streams).

  2. Locate the Official Video
    Always watch the official version of the music video, typically released on the artist’s verified channel. This guarantees that your view is properly counted. Avoid fan uploads or unofficial streams, as these might not register toward official streaming metrics.

  3. Watch the Video for the Required Duration
    Billboard and YouTube typically only count a view if a viewer watches a substantial part of the video—commonly at least 30 seconds. Set aside uninterrupted time to watch the video in full (or at least pass the engagement threshold) so your stream counts as genuine.

  4. Engage with the Video Authentically
    Liking, commenting, and sharing the video are key to organic engagement. These interactions not only boost the video’s visibility on YouTube but also signal to the platform’s algorithm that the content is resonating with the audience. Engage thoughtfully to help maintain high-quality interaction.

  5. Make sure your streaming quality is set to at least 480p. We recommend streaming at 1080p or higher. On the YouTube app for phone or tablet, go to profile > settings > Video quality preferences. Then, set both mobile networks and Wi-Fi to "Higher picture quality."

  6. Create a Personal Playlist (Optional, But Use Caution) Adding the music video to your personal playlist can be useful if you want to watch it occasionally without forgetting. However, avoid setting it on an automatic loop for extended periods. YouTube’s algorithms are designed to filter out artificially inflated views, and overly repetitive viewing might not count as valid.

  7. Watch on Multiple Devices Occasionally
    If possible, watch the video from different devices (for example, on your smartphone, laptop, and smart TV) at different times. This natural behavior can contribute additional valid streams, provided each session meets the engagement criteria. Just be sure not to run simultaneous streams from the same account in a way that violates YouTube’s policies.

  8. Avoid Rapid Refreshing or Automated Methods
    Resist the temptation to refresh the video repeatedly or use any software that simulates views. YouTube’s system is built to recognize and discount such activity. Genuine, organic watching is the only way to ensure your streams count without risking penalties.

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IMPORTANT!  To verify that everything is accurate, YouTube may temporarily slow down, freeze, or change your metric count, and discard low-quality playbacks." ​

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  • Please DO NOT USE VPN! Using a VPN is not allowed. YouTube’s algorithm can detect it and delete views.​

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Quick Tips:

  • Watch the Full Video: Ensure you watch the entire video without skipping. YouTube counts a view when a user watches a video for at least 30 seconds.

  • Avoid Muting: Keep the volume on, even if it's low. Muted views might not be counted.

  • Engage with the Video: Like, comment, and share the video. Engagement signals to YouTube that the view is genuine.

  • Avoid Looping: Don't loop the video continuously. Instead, watch other videos in between to avoid being flagged as a bot.

  • Use Different Devices: If possible, use multiple devices with different accounts to increase views, but ensure each view is genuine.

  • Log In: Make sure you're logged into your YouTube account while watching the video

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