Who are the BPI
The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) serves as the trade association for the recorded music industry in the United Kingdom. It oversees prominent events such as the BRIT Awards, Classic BRIT Awards, and National Album Day. Additionally, it is the steward of the Mercury Prize, jointly owns the Official Charts Company with the Entertainment Retailers Association, and confers recognition for UK music sales through the BRIT Certified Awards.
What are the different brackets of BRIT Certified Awards?
Releases are awarded certifications based on Official Charts Company data.
Platinum/Single
Achieve 600,000 units.
Platinum/Albums
Achieve 300,000 units.
Gold/Single
Achieve 400,000 units.
Gold/Albums
Achieve 100,000 units.
Silver/Single
Achieve 200,000 units.
Silver/Albums
Achieve 60,000 units.
How to Apply?
So 1,500 streams is 1 sale. In theory you’d need 300,000,000 million streams on one track to get a single a silver plaque. However, combined with downloads, this could be significantly less.
Eligibility
- The album or single must have achieved the required number of units in sales to qualify for certification.
- The sales data needs to be verified and audited by a recognised accounting firm.
Submission by Record Label/Distributor or Artist Management
- The record label or artist management team is usually responsible for submitting the application for certification.
- They will provide the necessary documentation and evidence of sales to support the application.
Verification Process:
- The sales data is verified by the BPI to ensure accuracy and compliance with their certification criteria.
- This may involve working with sales reports, certifications from retailers, and other relevant documentation.
Issuance of Certification
- Once the sales have been verified and meet the required threshold, the BPI issues the appropriate certification (Silver, Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum, or Diamond).
Presentation of Award
- The certified awards are often presented to the artist or representatives during public events, ceremonies, or through other arrangements. In the UK the Brits present these certifications frequently.
Other countries also operate using a similar system:
United States
Australia
Germany
Japan
South Korea
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the equivalent organisation in the United States. They certify and award albums and singles based on sales and streaming performance.
The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) manages certifications and awards in Australia. They are responsible for recognizing achievements in the Australian music industry.
In Germany, the Bundesverband Musikindustrie (BVMI) is the organisation that represents the German music industry. They oversee certifications and awards for music sales.
The Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) is the organisation responsible for certifications and awards in Japan. They assess sales and streaming performance for recognition.
The Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) oversees certifications and awards in South Korea. They recognize achievements in the Korean music industry.
Gold Certification: 500,000 units sold (album or single)
Platinum Certification: 1,000,000 units sold (album or single)
Multi-Platinum: Higher levels achieved in increments of a million units (e.g., 2x Platinum, 3x Platinum)
Gold Certification: 35,000 units sold (album or single)
Platinum Certification: 70,000 units sold (album or single)
Multi-Platinum: Higher levels achieved in increments of 70,000 units
Gold Certification: 100,000 units sold (album or single)
Platinum Certification: 200,000 units sold (album or single)
Diamond Certification: 1,000,000 units sold (album or single)
Gold Certification: 100,000 units shipped (album or single)
Platinum Certification: 250,000 units shipped (album or single)
Double Platinum: 500,000 units shipped (album or single)
Platinum Certification: 100,000 units sold (album or single)
Million Certification: 1,000,000 units sold (album or single)
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