Billboard Changes Hot 100 Rules After Months of Repetitive Hits

Billboard has announced significant changes to the rules governing the Hot 100 chart after months of repetitive hits dominating the rankings. These new guidelines aim to refresh the chart by reducing the time older songs can remain eligible.

New Hot 100 Rules Implemented

As of this week, Billboard has revised its policy for how long songs can stay on the Hot 100. The changes resulted in the removal of ten tracks from the chart, including Teddy Swims’ “Lose Control,” which spent an impressive 112 weeks on the list.

Duration Changes for Chart Eligibility

• Songs that drop below No. 5 after 78 weeks will be removed.
• Songs dropping below No. 10 after 52 weeks will also be cut.
• Tracks falling below No. 25 after 26 weeks and below No. 50 after 20 weeks will be eliminated as well.

This drastic change is designed to address the issue of many older tracks remaining on the chart longer than intended, particularly in the streaming era. Historically, streaming services have contributed to prolonged runs for popular songs, allowing tracks like The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” (90 weeks) and Glass Animals’ “Heat Waves” (91 weeks) to maintain their positions.

Challenges with Streaming and Radio

Billboard’s previous system allowed songs to linger on the chart based on specific criteria. For example, songs were typically removed if they fell below No. 25 after 52 weeks. This ensured that stagnant hits did not overcrowd the lower rankings, but it did not effectively address songs that held steady without significant decline.

With the new rules in place, Billboard aims to create a more dynamic chart. They will still maintain discretion to make exceptions for particular songs, allowing them to remain under certain conditions. An example includes Billie Eilish’s “Wildflower,” which has been on the Hot 100 for 70 weeks and is currently rising in rank.

Impact on Future Charts

The revised rules will reshape the landscape of the Hot 100 in the coming months and years. As older songs are phased out more rapidly, listeners can expect fresher content on the charts. The holiday season will bring additional flexibility, allowing perennial favorites to stay ranked, provided they remain above No. 50.

Notable Track Removals

This week marks the departure of several notable songs. These include:

• Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” (60 weeks)
• Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” (89 weeks)
• Kendrick Lamar’s “Luther (feat. SZA)” (46 weeks)

As these changes take effect, Billboard’s Hot 100 looks poised for a new era, reflecting the evolving music industry’s consumption patterns. The recently unveiled rules promise to keep the chart lively and current.