Methodology

"We use algorithms with a human touch"

Top40-Charts publishes a host of charts that are individually or collectively based on key fan interactions with music, including album sales and downloads, track downloads, radio airplay, video and touring as well as streaming and social interactions on Facebook, Twitter, VEVO, YouTube, TIDAL, Spotify, Rdio and other popular online destinations for music.

Top40 Charts develops its own tools by our engineers that will track every single/ album sale or broadcast or streaming in the biggest markets/search results.

Data analysis and interpretation is the process of assigning meaning to the information we have collected and determining the significance and implications of the findings. Charts are a useful way to provide a visual display of our data and to help convey ideas about the music industry.

Top40-Charts methodology for the long-standing Genre Charts: each receive a major consumer-influenced face-lift, as digital download sales and streaming data (tracked from such services as Spotify, YouTube, TIDAL, ReverbNation, BandCamp, Muve, Slacker, Rhapsody, Rdio and Xbox Music, among others) factored into the 20 or 30-position rankings. The makeovers enables these charts to match the methodology applied to Top40-Charts' signature all-genre songs ranking, the Top40-Charts Web Top 100.

Top40-Charts also has launched The Official World 100, Airplay 100 and Europe 100 charts, which incorporate the same airplay/sales/streaming combined formula to rank the week's top singles / track titles.

The scientific and systematic investigation of existing music records/data is an important and valued methodology in the "Charts research". These lines we believe that have offered a clear step approach for conducting retrospective chart review research that may assist researchers in music industry to access the benefits of this methodology and minimize its limitations. The strategies outlined for procurement and abstraction of data will assist in minimizing limitations and strengthen the reliability of the data. Our methodology enables music industry to effectively conduct research that can inform and add to their business practice.

In order for artists and titles to chart in Top40-Charts, they must be among the higher ranked performers under the specific set of metrics used to compile each chart. Specifications can be found on the corresponding chart page on Top40-Charts.

In addition to our core research charts, organizations worldwide turn to Top40-Charts to conduct custom charts using our rigorous research standards and scientifically proven methodologies to help them solve their most music industry problems.

Top40-charts' methodologists continuously study best practices in the field of charts/survey research and conduct experiments to inform our methodologies. To read about the latest updates to Top40-charts' methodologies, check this page frequently.