The History of BVMI

When I research the background of albums - from history to success to certification - I can guarantee a find from the RIAA (United States certification), BPI (British certification), Music Canada, and SNEP (French certification).  One certification process I do not always see (or at least to my recollection) is Germany.

In the post, Sounds of Germany - Paul Landers, I introduced the German perspective to the globally recognized Les Paul guitar.  

In this post, I thought I would introduce the German certification process.

German certification - Bundesverband Musikindustrie

English translation -  Federal Music Industry Association 

Initials - BVMI

BVMI Gold and Platinum certification began in 1975.  As of 2014, BVMI issues Diamond certification as well.

Album Certification

Gold - 100,000

Platinum - 200,000

3x Gold - 300,000

2x Platinum - 400,000

5x Gold - 500,000

3x Platinum - 600,000

Diamond - 750,000

Singles Certification

Gold - 200,000

Platinum - 400,000

3x Gold - 600,000

2x Platinum - 800,000

(5x Gold n/a)

3x Platinum - 1,200,000

Diamond - 1,000,000

Video Certification

Gold - 25,000

Platinum - 50,000

Jazz Single/Album Certification 

Gold - 10,000

Platinum - 20,000

(Source - Wikipedia)

My take away -

Germany offers an impressive investment in its certification process and for those musicians who achieve any range within Gold and Diamond, great honor is due.