Following a move in February by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), Music Canada now counts streaming platforms as part of its gold/platinum certification.
The new ‘Single Award’ will be based on-demand audio streams from services such as Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, Tidal, Deezer and Napster, as well as CD single sales and digital downloads. However, Music Canada notes streaming videos from YouTube/VEVO will not be accepted towards certification “upon launch.” Unfortunately, there is no timing for its inclusion.
“Today’s announcement signifies a pivotal moment in Canada’s evolving digital music marketplace,” says Graham Henderson, President & CEO of Music Canada. “By accepting on-demand streams for track certifications, Music Canada can continue to acknowledge the success of Canadian and international artists, as well as the subscription-based streaming platforms currently thriving in our market. The new Single Award helps maintain the integrity of our Gold/Platinum program, which has historically recognized the active choice consumers make when building their personal music libraries.”
Music Canada says 150 streams equals one unit towards certification.
[source] Music Canada [/source]
