What is the Billboard 18 Month Rule?

What is the Billboard 18 Month Rule?

Billboard 18 Month Rule


  • Any new mix of a song released after 18 months of the original version is treated as a new song and is not rolled-up/merged into the original version.. 

  • If the new mix is released less than 18 months from the original version, the original version needs to still be current on Billboard Airplay charts. If the original version is re-current that new mix is tracked separately. 

  • No live versions of a song can be released within the 1st 4 weeks of the original versions release.

    • Related Articles

    • How do the Billboard charts work?

      Learn more about the Billboard charts here.
    • Where can I find the Billboard charts?

      Here is a link to the Billboard charts. (Posted on Tuesdays for Billboard Pro subscribers) You can also find Billboard charts within Music Connect: Clicking the star next to any chart saves it as a favorite. For more information on the Charts within ...
    • List of Frequently Used Links (Support FAQs) for Music Registration Related to Billboard

      This list of frequently used links is related to Luminate Music Registration and Billboard Chart. Where can I find the Billboard charts? - Billboard Charts https://www.billboard.com/charts How do the Billboard charts work? - Billboard Chart legend ...
    • How do I become a Billboard chart reporter?

      To report to one of the Billboard monitored airplay charts, a radio station must first be monitored by Mediabase. Billboard then has requirements for the percentage of currents and ratings for chart reporters among other considerations. If you are ...
    • Is the Airplay Chart Week changing?

      Yes!  The Music Connect Airplay Chart Week, in conjunction with Billboard, will be changing from the current Monday-Sunday to Friday-Thursday. This will align the Airplay Chart Week with Sales and Streaming data tracking weeks. The Music Connect ...