Music streaming now included in Canada’s historic Gold/Platinum certification program

With the introduction of a new Single Award, Music Canada’s Gold/Platinum certification and awards program will now include streams towards digital track certifications. Over 50 new Single certifications were revealed today, with 10 artists receiving their first Canadian certifications.

“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.”

The new Single Award will combine on-demand audio streams from subscription services with digital download and CD single sales. Streams can be used toward certification using a conversion formula of 150 streams equaling 1 unit towards certification. This 150:1 ratio is consistent with other major global counterparts. Streaming data from YouTube/VEVO videos will not be accepted towards certification upon launch.

Via