NEW YORK —
Viral videos are hits on the Web, and now they can help propel a song to the top of the Billboard charts.
Billboard has announced that U.S. YouTube data is now one of the factors when ranking Hot 100 songs and songs on its other charts.
The new rule went into effect this week, with the viral-video hit “Harlem Shake” debuting at No. 1. Other factors include radio airplay, digital download sales, physical single sales, on-demand audio streaming and online radio streaming. Billboard’s new rule incorporates all official videos on YouTube, including Vevo.
“Harlem Shake” by Brooklyn producer Baauer features few lyrics. The video has a heavy dance-flavored beat. It became a viral success thanks to hundreds of YouTube videos of people dancing to the song.
Business
YouTube data now part of Billboard Hot 100 chart
- Business
-
-
Asia stocks extend losses after big sell-off
Asian stocks continued to retreat Friday after being routed the day before by unexpectedly weak Chinese manufacturing and fears the Federal Reserve will start withdrawing its monetary stimulus.
-
Why worry? Less aid by Fed would point to recovery
Investors have grown nervous that the Federal Reserve will scale back its efforts to boost the U.S. economy sooner than many expected.
-
Procter & Gamble brings back A.G. Lafley as CEO
Procter & Gamble Co. is bringing back its former CEO, as the world’s largest consumer-products maker tries to spur global growth.
-
Sears reports bigger-than-expected 1Q loss
Sears Holdings Corp. reported a steeper-than-expected loss for its first quarter with the beleaguered retailer blaming a cooler spring for falling sales.
-
Between economy and trouble, Obama approval steady
The economy is recovering, the White House is dealing with multiple controversies, and President Barack Obama appears generally unaffected either way.
-
US rig count down 7 to 1,762
Oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc. says the number of rigs actively exploring for oil and natural gas in the U.S. dropped by seven this week to 1,762.
-
Summer travel forecast: Better, but no blowout
This summer, high rollers are flying to lavish hot spots for their vacations. The rest of us are driving to less luxurious places like nearby campgrounds.
-
Schumer urges look at security in Sprint deal
Sen. Charles Schumer urged regulators to “use extreme caution” when reviewing the proposed acquisition of No. 3 cell carrier Sprint Nextel by Japan’s Softbank, saying the Japanese company’s use of Chinese networking equipment could open up U.S. networks to snooping and hacking.
-
Ammonia leak at Kan. plant sends 7 to hospital
Seven people have been released from an Emporia hospital after an ammonia leak at the city’s Tyson Foods plant.
-
Other companies challenging contraception mandate
Hobby Lobby Stores Inc. is challenging the part of the federal health care law that requires for-profit companies to offer employees health coverage that includes products the business owners find morally objectionable, such as certain types of contraception.
- More Business Headlines
-



