Embedded Files
This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the Billboard 200 chart, how it functions, and tutorials on contributing to charting on the Billboard 200.
What is the Billboard 200 Chart?
It ranks the 200 most popular albums in the United States.
Data is collected from Friday 12:00am ET to Thursday 11:59pm ET each week.
The chart is updated every Tuesday.
How Does the Billboard 200 Work?
Billboard gathers data from Luminate.
The data Luminate collects:
Album Sales
Physical sales (in-store) and digital (iTunes) sales of an album.
Track Sales
Sales of individual songs on an album.
Streaming
How many times people streamed the songs on the album.
Equivalent Album Units (EAU)
These are used to make each aspect equal.
Purchases:
1 album sale = 1 EAU
10 individual song sales = 1 EAU
Streaming:
1,000 paid (premium) active audio/video streams = 1 EAU
2,500 free (ad-supported) active audio/video streams = 1 EAU
Billboard 200 Purchasing Rules
The maximum number of albums you can buy each week is:
1 digital album sale
4 physical album sales
Sellers track the following information to detect bulk purchases:
Email address
Payment Method
IP address
Shipping address
Billing address
How is it Different from the Billboard Hot 100?
Billboard Hot 100 just ranks songs.
The Billboard 200 ranks entire albums.
Billboard 200 Digitals Buying Guide
The following digital music platforms count towards Billboard charts:
Only digital sales made in the United States or Puerto Rico will be considered for the Billboard 200 chart.
Purchasing Strategy
If an album has more than 10 tracks, you should buy each track individually.
If an album has less than 10 trakcs, you should buy the album all at once.
You must download the tracks you have purchased for it to count towards Billboard.
Buying on multiple platforms
You must change your information to buy on multiple platforms:
Email address
Payment method
IP address
Shipping address
Billing address
Do NOT use a VPN. Read how to change IP address further down this page.
Use an address that is in your local area, like a business or a friend's house.
Try buying on a different platform each day instead of all at once.
Payment Methods
The billing address on the card must match the one you use when checking out.
Do not use the same billing address more than once.
On iTunes and Amazon Music, use a gift card.
How to Change Your IP Address on Mobile and PC
Use this website to see your IP address before and after making changes to ensure it's different.
On Mobile:
Turn off Wi-Fi
Turn on Airplane Mode
Wait for 30 Seconds
Turn off Airplane Mode
Check your IP address.
Google "What's my ip?" and tap the first option.
It should be different than it was before.
On PC:
Plug your phone into your computer with a USB cable.
Turn on your phone's hotspot.
Your computer should automatically connect to the hotspot.
Follow the steps 1-4 in the mobile section on your phone.
Check your IP address on your computer.
Google "What's my ip?" and click the first option.
It should be different than it was before.
Example of valid digital purchases
Make sure you have access to the emails you provide.
Do not use the information below to buy albums. These are just examples.
Billboard 200 Physicals Buying Guide
These stores all count sales towards Billboard charts.
The listing must say "Sold by Amazon.com"
Searching your location will help you find locally owned record shops in your area.
Only physical album sales sent to an address in the United States or Puerto Rico will count on the Billboard 200 chart.
Tracking Period
Online sales are counted when they ship or are picked up.
Offline sales are counted when they are purchased in the store.
Album Versions
Typically, only albums that come with a CD will count on Billboard charts.
Bulk Purchases
Only up to 4 albums count at a time.
Do NOT buy more than 10 albums at a time. Your purchase will not count.
Change your information when you buy from different sellers:
Email address
Payment method
IP address
Shipping address
Billing address
In-Store Purchases
We recommend buying in-person if possible.
We recommend using cash or gift cards if possible. Credit cards and debit cards are tracked.
Online Purchases
Do not assume local K-Pop stores count towards the Billboard charts.
Ask the store if they report sales to Luminate/Billboard.
If the store is giving you a POB from a Korean store with your purchase, it most likely does not count towards Billboard.
If you want to be safe, we recommend buying from Modhaus US, B&N, Amazon, or non K-Pop record shops.
Billboard 200 Streaming Guide
These streaming platforms count towards Billboard charts:
Only streams from the United States or Puerto Rico will be considered for the Billboard 200 chart.
Only streams in the United States and Puerto Rico count.
Streams using a VPN do not count.
Free streams VS Paid Streams
2,500 free streams = 1 EAU
1,000 paid streams = 1 EAU
Video Streams
Only official music videos on Apple, Spotify, and Tidal will be counted.
As of 2026, YouTube views no longer count.
Unofficial reuploads and music show stages do not count.
Streaming Strategy
Listen to every track on the album, not just the title track.
Stream actively whenever possible.
Search for the song and play it.
Avoid using playlists unless you have to.
Google Sites
Report abuse