From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
List of top 100 RIAA-certified album artists and top 50 RIAA-certified digital single artists
This is the list of the highest-certified music artists in the United States based on
certifications of albums and
digital singles (but not
physical singles ) by the
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
[1]
RIAA certifications are based on wholesale shipments rather than retail sales. Since 2016, the RIAA album certification has also included on-demand audio/video streams (1,500 streams = 1
album unit ) and track sale equivalent (10 track sales = 1 album unit).
[2] Additionally, awards are only presented if and when a record company applies for certification. Therefore, the total certified units for a given artist may be incomplete or out of date.
The RIAA began its certifications in 1958, therefore, popular artists from earlier eras are generally not represented on this list. As of May 19, 2023
[update] ,
The Beatles have the highest total certified albums and
Drake has the highest total certified digital singles.
Michael Jackson ,
Mariah Carey ,
Eminem , and
Taylor Swift are the only acts in the top 30 of both lists.
Top 100 certified music artists (albums)
Notes:
^† Deceased
^d Disbanded
Top 50 certified music artists (digital singles)
Notes:
^† Deceased
^d Disbanded
See also
References
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External links