YouTube Views Now Factored Into Hot 100 Chart

Billboard and Nielsen announced last week that YouTube views will now be a contributing factor in the ranking of the Hot 100 chart.

YouTube has become a dominant force in the music industry. If it weren't for YouTube we wouldn't have known about 'Gangnam Style' or 'Harlem Shake.' Who could also forget the wonderful ode to Friday by Rebecca Black? Actually, I'm still holding a grudge against YouTube for that one.

The change is a sensible move for the music monitors. YouTube views in recent years have surpassed music sales and in some cases, radio airplay. This change has had an intimidate impact. Featured in thousands of videos, Baauer's 'Harlem Shake' jumped immediately to #1 on the Hot 100!

YouTube's influence on the chart will bring new life to music. Large record company's stagnate the charts. With all the money they use to promote singles and albums, songs tend to stay top dog for weeks and even months. Of course, with YouTube now a chart contributor, labels will now push even harder to promote their artists. Artists can now even get a chart topping hit without needing a label, just talent and a computer.

Major artists like Justin Bieber (whom owes his success to YouTube videos) can see more successful singles as well. Artists who prioritize music videos will see even better ratings. Drake's new tune 'Started at the Bottom' jumped from 63 to 10 on the Hot 100 chart, once the new rules went into effect.

I'm all for the changes! Now I need to come up with an idiotic video so I can have a #1 hit!