ARIA to launch new streaming chart this Saturday

The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) has launched a brand new chart which will ingest streams from audio and visual streaming services.

The new weekly Audio & Visual Streaming Chart will incorporate all official video streams and user-generated clips that incorporate audio recordings from YouTube and Vevo on YouTube, as well as all audio streams from Deezer, JB Now, Rdio, Google Play and Spotify.

The aforementioned streaming services already deliver their data to ARIA for inclusion in ARIA’s Top 50 Singles Chart, which has been incorporating a combination of audio streams and sales since November 24 last year.

There is no conversation rate for the Audio & Visual Streaming Chart. The track with the most streams will be #1.

As it currently stands, ARIA Gold (35,000 units shipped) and Platinum (70,000) accreditations will remain sales based.

ARIA has also said there are no plans to absorb YouTube streams into the other existing ARIA Charts.

The first official ARIA Audio & Visual Streaming Chart will be unveiled this Saturday May 16 at 6pm and published on ariacharts.com.au.

Speaking to TMN, Rdio Head of Territories Australia & New Zealand Colin Blake said the further step to acknowledge streaming shoud see it become the dominant choice for music consumption in Australia in the near future.

"I hope so. It has been a long time coming but yes it will certainly get there. This market still needs some progress in adoption and education before the masses have really "plugged into" streaming as their first and foremost choice of how they listen to music. We are still a ways behind North America, parts of Europe and parts of Latin America. As I have shared with you guys at The Music Network in the past, I just think it is about a moment when the expereince flicks over and it runs through the Australian market like wildfire.

"For any music lover the technology it is just too exciting and compelling. When you first experience Rdio and get into learning about the functionality it changes everything and makes your music enjoying life so much better than it has ever been. Rdio makes you want to listen to more music and excites you to get more and more into the tunes that you love…even the ones you don't know yet…or the ones you forgot about a long time ago."

Dan Rosen, CEO of ARIA said in a statement: “We aim to continuously evolve the ARIA Charts to ensure that they accurately represent the new ways that Australian music fans are consuming their favourite music. There is no denying the impact YouTube has today on music and popular culture.”

Partnerships Manager of YouTube Australia, Georgie Powell added: “YouTube has become a comprehensive music destination where people tune in, discover new music, and where musicians can strike a chord with new audiences. This new chart will reflect how music lovers are finding their new favorite songs and music videos online, as well as how artists are using their YouTube channels to find fame in Australia and across the world.”