U.K. REVAMPS SINGLES CHART...AGAIN

The U.K.’s Official Charts Company has spelled out new rules for the singles chart that will come into effect from July. As expected, artists will only be allowed their three most popular tracks in the singles Top 100, and there’s a slightly revised formula for streaming.

Currently, the streaming ratio is 150 streams equals one sale, and that remains the same for just-released tracks at their peak. However, for older entries that are in steep, prolonged decline, the streaming part of that ratio will increase, making it harder for older songs that are still being frequently listened to on streaming services to clog up the chart. The rules are designed to support new talent, giving fresh hits the freedom to progress, as explained by the OCC here (do progress to the comments section—there’s a lively debate going on).

Will the latter risk punishing “sleeper hits” and songs that gain late popularity through sync exposure and the like? Stay tuned for that, and for the new detailed chart rules, which will be posted online soon.