The Billboard list modernized with YouTube
Once upon a time hit lists all over the world were set up based on record sales and what was heard on the radio. That is what one of the most prestigious journals in the U.S. Billboard did for 55 years. It is, however, little today, when the big stars are trying to distribute their records on-line (even in the 90s, David Bowie was the pioneer, and almost 10 years later, Radiohead started this process), we cannot ignore the songs that appeared on the World Wide Web. That is why Billboard decided at the end of February: in the future, in order for a song to become a "hit" they will take into consideration YouTube downloads and shares.
Bill Werden, the editor in chief of Billboard confessed about having negotiations with YouTube for the past two years. The magazine's editors didn’t stand by; they modernized the lists by considering the Spotify music service site’s clicks.
The decision was felt immediately, as the first head of a new Hot 100 Brooklyn DJ Baueer’s dance song jumped, the Harlem Shake, which was released in May 2012, and became popular once again thanks to the YouTube visits. The new system is good for Rihanna as well, whose song titled Stay jumped from 57th place to third in a week due to YouTube clicks.
The new list will reflect the real popularity better than before. It can help new talent appear, because anyone can upload anything. A funny clip isn’t necessarily about money, and if the creator can find enough people to share it, an unknown person can become a star around the world. They won’t have to worry about labels and studios. And what about those "unofficial" (less elegant "pirate") recordings which despite the prohibitions, fans steadily make at thrilling concerts and upload on YouTube a few hours after the party? Because if those downloads should be included, if a big band really takes off, then the list will be unimaginable.
