YouTube will discontinue sharing its music statistics with Billboard because of disagreements regarding the weighting of streams in the U.S. music charts. This modification, set to take effect next month, indicates that Billboard’s charts will no longer feature YouTube’s streaming statistics. YouTube has criticized Billboard’s approach of favoring subscription-based and paid streams over ad-supported streams. Despite ongoing discussions, Billboard has not revised its position. Since 2013, Billboard has relied on YouTube’s data and started giving more significance to paid streams in 2018. Lyor Cohen, YouTube’s global head of music, expressed that Billboard’s methodology does not represent contemporary music engagement and ignores non-subscription audiences. This development comes in the wake of Billboard’s latest update to its streaming calculations, which still failed to meet YouTube’s expectations. Billboard formulates its charts using “album consumption units,” applying varying weights for paid and ad-supported streams. The impending adjustments will modify these proportions, yet YouTube favors equal consideration for all streams. Effective Jan. 16, YouTube will halt the provision of data to Billboard, just ahead of Billboard’s new calculations taking effect. Cohen highlighted the necessity for equitable counting of all streams. Billboard is firm in its new calculations, hoping that YouTube will rethink its decision and recognize artists’ presence across various platforms.