After Jan. 16, YouTube will no longer provide data to the Billboard charts amid a dispute over how subscription and ad-supported streams are weighted.

YouTube Global Head of Music Lyor Cohen made the announcement in a Dec. 17 blog post a day after Billboard revealed new chart methodology related to streaming music.

The publication began incorporating YouTube data into the Hot 100 in 2013 and the Billboard 200 in 2020. It currently weighs ad-supported streams as one-third of subscription streams, but as of Jan. 17, that ratio will shrink to 1:2.5 (i.e., 1,000 subscription streams equal 2,500 ad-supported streams) in formulating the Hot 100, Billboard 200 and other charts.

"Billboard uses an outdated formula that weights subscription-supported streams higher than ad-supported," Cohen wrote. "This doesn't reflect how fans engage with music today and ignores the massive engagement from fans who don’t have a subscription. Streaming is the primary way people experience music, making up 84% of U.S. recorded-music revenue. We’re simply asking that every stream is counted fairly and equally, whether it is subscription-based or ad-supported—because every fan matters and every play should count. After a decade-long partnership and extensive discussions, they are unwilling to make meaningful changes."

This and all other vintage Lyor toons were crafted by the late, great Van Arno.

Moving forward, Cohen suggested, “If you’re curious about what music is making waves on YouTube, you can visit our charts."

In response, a Billboard spokesperson said, “There are so many ways a fan can support an artist they love, and each has a specific place in the music ecosystem. Billboard strives to measure that activity appropriately, balanced by various factors including consumer access, revenue analysis, data validation and industry guidance. It is our hope that YouTube reconsiders and joins Billboard in recognizing the reach and popularity of artists on all music platforms and in celebrating their achievements though the power of fans and how they interact with the music that they love.”

Spotify's Head of Music Charlie Hellman weighed in on Billboard's new formula on X, writing, "Spotify has both ad-supported and paid streams. All listening activity matters. But I think it’s right to weight paid streams more. People paying ~$150 per year for music…it means more, shows a greater level of fan intent, and is better for artists and the ecosystem."