Billboard Hot 100
History
The Billboard Hot 100 is a music industry standard record chart in the United States for songs, published weekly by Billboard magazine. The chart rankings are based on sales (physical and digital), radio play, and online streaming in the United States.
The Billboard Hot 100 began with the issue dated August 4, 1958, and is currently the standard popular music chart in the United States. Prior to the creation of the Hot 100, Billboard published four singles charts: "Best Sellers in Stores", "Most Played by Jockeys", "Most Played in Jukeboxes" and "The Top 100". These charts, which ranged from 20 to 100 slots, were phased out soon after the introduction of the Hot 100.
Calculation Methodology
The Billboard Hot 100 is calculated by combining sales and airplay data from Nielsen Soundscan and Nielsen BDS, respectively. The chart is compiled by Billboard, using data compiled from Nielsen's Broadcast Data Systems (BDS), which electronically monitors radio stations in more than 140 markets across the United States, and Nielsen SoundScan, which tracks sales of music and music video products throughout the United States and Canada.
Chart Achievements
Over the years, several songs have become known for reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100, including "The Twist" by Chubby Checker, which is the only song to have reached the top spot on two separate occasions. Other notable chart achievements include the Beatles' record-setting 20 number-one hits, and Mariah Carey's 18 number-one singles.
Impact and Influence
The Billboard Hot 100 has had a profound impact on popular music. By providing a concrete measure of a song's popularity, it has shaped the strategies of record companies and artists alike. The chart has also influenced the way radio stations and other music platforms decide which songs to play.
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite its influence, the Billboard Hot 100 has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the chart's methodology, which heavily weights radio airplay, disadvantages independent artists who lack major label support. There have also been allegations of chart manipulation, with record companies accused of buying their own artists' records to boost chart positions.