List of highest-certified music artists in the United States explained
This is the list of the highest-certified music artists in the United States based on certifications of albums and digital singles (but not physical singles) by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).[1] RIAA certifications are based on wholesale shipments rather than retail sales. Since 2016, the RIAA album certification has also included on-demand audio/video streams (1,500 streams = 1 album unit) and track sale equivalent (10 track sales = 1 album unit).[2] Additionally, awards are only presented if and when a record company applies for certification. Therefore, the total certified units for a given artist may be incomplete or out of date.
The RIAA began its certifications in 1958, therefore, popular artists from earlier eras are generally not represented on this list., the Beatles have the highest total certified albums and Drake has the highest total certified digital singles. Eminem is the only act in the top 20 of both lists.
Top 100 certified music artists (albums)
Notes:
Deceased
Disbanded
Top 50 certified music artists (digital singles)
Notes:
Deceased
Disbanded
See also
External links
Notes and References
- Web site: 'Top Artists' By Certifications. Recording Industry Association of America. December 15, 2017.
- Web site: RIAA Accepts Streams for Gold and Platinum Certifications. billboard.com. February 2016. 8 July 2018.
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