Billboard is a renowned American music industry publication that was founded in 1894. It is primarily known for its weekly music charts that rank the most popular songs and albums in various genres based on sales, airplay, and streaming data. However, Billboard is more than just a charting publication. In this article, we will delve deeper into what Billboard is, its history, the various charts it publishes, and its impact on the music industry.
History of Billboard
Billboard was first established as a trade publication for the outdoor advertising industry in 1894. It was originally called “Billboard Advertising” and focused on providing news and information about the billboard business. However, in the early 1900s, the publication began to cover the entertainment industry and began to include information about movies and music.
Billboard Today
Today, Billboard is primarily known for its music charts, which are used as a barometer of success in the music industry. The publication publishes a variety of charts, including the Billboard Hot 100, the Billboard 200, the Billboard Global 200, and the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts. These charts track the most popular songs and albums in various genres and are based on a combination of sales, airplay, and streaming data.
The Billboard Hot 100
The Billboard Hot 100 is perhaps the most well-known chart published by Billboard. It tracks the most popular songs in the United States based on a combination of sales, radio airplay, and streaming data. The chart is updated weekly, and the top song is given the coveted title of “number one.” The chart has been in existence since 1958 and has become a cultural institution in the United States.
The Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is another important chart published by Billboard. It tracks the most popular albums in the United States based on a combination of sales and streaming data. The chart is updated weekly, and the top album is given the title of “number one.” The chart has been in existence since 1956 and has become a barometer of success in the music industry.
The Billboard Global 200
The Billboard Global 200 is a relatively new chart published by Billboard. It tracks the most popular songs in the world based on a combination of sales and streaming data. The chart is updated weekly, and the top song is given the title of “number one.” The chart has become an important metric for measuring global success in the music industry.
Billboard Global Excl. U.S.
The Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart is another relatively new chart published by Billboard. It tracks the most popular songs in the world excluding the United States based on a combination of sales and streaming data. The chart is updated weekly, and the top song is given the title of “number one.” The chart provides a unique perspective on global music trends.
Impact on the Music Industry
Billboard has had a significant impact on the music industry. Its charts are widely regarded as a barometer of success, and artists and record labels often use them as a marketing tool. The publication has also helped to popularize genres of music that were previously overlooked by the mainstream, such as hip-hop and electronic dance music. Billboard has also played a role in the globalization of the music industry by tracking international sales and streams.
In conclusion, Billboard is a venerable music industry publication that has been around for over a century. Its music charts are widely regarded as a barometer of success, and its impact on the music industry cannot be overstated. By tracking the most popular songs and albums in various genres, Billboard has helped to shape the tastes of music fans around the world.