Music recording certification
Music recording certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped, sold, or streamed a certain number of units. The threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory.
A wall of Gold and Platinum records on display at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
"Uranium disc" granted to Raphael by his label Hispavox in 1980
Gold record presented to Artie Schroeck for his arrangement on "Can't Take My Eyes Off You", 1967
Platinum record awarded to Michael Jackson's Thriller album (Epic Records) by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The album would become the highest-selling album worldwide.
In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) operates an awards program based on the certified number of albums and singles sold through retail and other ancillary markets. Other countries have similar awards. Certification is not automatic; for an award to be made, the record label must first request certification. The audit is conducted against net shipments after returns, which includes albums sold directly to retailers and one-stops, direct-to-consumer sales and other outlets.
RIAA certifications for Prince, Bruce Springsteen, Michael Jackson, Madonna and Lynyrd Skynyrd on display at Julien's Auctions.
Elvis Presley is the artist with the most platinum albums.
Garth Brooks is the artist with the most diamond albums.
Drake is the artist with the most platinum singles.
