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BTS's Label Removes Music from Billboard Charts Citing Unfair Streaming Metrics


Disagreement Over YouTube Streaming Formula Leads to Historic Split


The management for the global K

  • pop group BTS has announced it will cease submitting data to Billboard, effectively removing the band's music from the publication's influential charts starting in 2026. This decisive move stems from a long-standing disagreement with Billboard's methodology for counting YouTube streams.


    • The Core of the Billboard Disagreement


    At the heart of the split is Billboard's use of a streaming formula that the label deems outdated. The current system heavily weights subscription

  • based streams over ad-supported streams on platforms like YouTube. The label argues this approach fails to reflect how fans engage with music today and unfairly discounts the intense engagement of non-subscribing fans.


    • A Call for Fair Recognition for Every Fan


    The central demand from BTS's camp is for equity. "Our only request is that each stream, whether subscription

  • based or ad-supported, be counted fairly and equally," a statement explained. The label emphasized that "every fan is important and every view should count," suggesting the current system devalues the contributions of a significant portion of the BTS ARMY.


    • End of a Decade
  • Long Partnership


    • This dramatic decision follows a ten

  • year partnership and what the label describes as extensive negotiations. Despite these discussions, Billboard was reportedly unwilling to make meaningful changes to its chart calculation methods. Consequently, after January 16, 2026, BTS's data will no longer be transmitted to or considered for any Billboard charts.



    • Key Issue: Billboard's weighting of subscription streams over ad
    • supported streams.

    • Label's Stance: The formula is outdated and ignores modern fan interaction.

    • Result: BTS music will be absent from Billboard charts starting in 2026.