A few years ago, I wrote about the levels of certification based on RIAA requisite. I also wrote about albums achieving RIAA status. In this post, and those to follow, I thought I would reminisce what I learned at the time and catch up to the present.
In this post, I am defining RIAA and Gold certification. My source for this post is Wikipedia.
RIAA stands for Recording Industry Association of America. The organization's headquarters are in Washington, D.C.
RIAA was established in 1952. The mission includes -
1. Protect intellectual property rights and First Amendment artist rights
2. Perform research about the music industry
3. Monitor and review relevant laws, regulations, and policies
Follow the RIAA website for a direct background.
Follow the Wikipedia link above to read more about company structure and sales - including the board of directors and record labels represented by RIAA.
RIAA certification began in 1958. At the time, a Gold single required one million units sold and a Gold album required $1 million in sales. In 1975, the number of units sold for Gold albums increased to an additional 500,000.
In 2004, digital sales (such as iTunes) were included in certification. In 2006, digital ringtones were included. In 2013, streaming from audio and video (such as Spotify, Napster, and YouTube) were included.
As of 2016, Gold certification for digital sales is awarded upon 500,000 units. Gold certification for album sales is awarded upon 500,000.
Gold certification for DVDs, VHS tapes, Live albums, and Compilation albums are awarded upon 50,000 copies.
Interesting fact - Elvis Presley holds the most Gold records with 90 albums.
And so there you go, all caught up with defining the RIAA and refreshing Gold certification requisites.
What to expect for next Monday - RIAA Platinum Certification.
