The RIAA introduced a branch of certification for “digital” recordings in 2004. This area of certification was expanded two years later to include “digital ringtones.” Beginning in 2013, streaming from online services such as Spotify, YouTube, and others began to be recognized in certification, using the metric of 150 streams equaling one download.
There are different milestones: Gold is given after selling 500,000 copies, Platinum after selling one million copies, Multi-Platinum after selling at least two million copies, and Diamond after selling ten million units.
After Drake surpassed Eminem as the highest-selling singles artist in RIAA history with over 184 million digital copies sold last week, we decided to compile a list of every musician who has sold over 100 million singles in the US.
While selling a million or even ten million digital singles is getting simpler in the streaming era, only a few have reached the hundred-million mark.
Number 10- The Weeknd
Let us begin with R&B sensation and Canadian icon The Weeknd, who became the first black male singer to sell more than 100 million digital singles in the United States. According to current figures, The Weeknd has sold over 108 million singles.
Number 9- Katy Perry
Katy Perry holds the ninth spot on the list with a total of 109.5 million digital singles sold.
Number 8- Justin Bieber
It’s no surprise that the Canadian pop star is on this list. Throughout his career, Justin Biber has sold over 111 million digital records in the US.
Number 7- Beyoncé
With 114.5 million RIAA singles awards, Beyoncé is the seventh most certified artist on this list. Her most recent album, “Renaissance,” earned her 70 additional certifications for her impressive sales and streaming totals.
Number 6- Post Malone
Post Malone is ranked sixth with 121 million RIAA singles awards. The most certified song by the New York rapper is “Sunflower,” with 17 platinum awards.
Number 5- Taylor Swift
Since her 2006 debut, Taylor Swift has managed to occupy the fifth spot as the best-selling singles artist in RIAA history, with 137.5 million digital copies sold. Thanks to hits like “Shake It Off,” “Bad Blood,” and others, the 33-year-old musician is the second best-selling female artist of the digital era.
Number 4- Kanye West
Kanye West became the first musician in history to have 85 RIAA Gold-certified singles as a lead artist in July 2022. Ten of his studio albums have been awarded at least gold in the United States, while Donda is certified platinum. Ye is the fourth artist on our list, having sold 139 million certified digital copies as a solo artist.
Number 3- Rihanna
While Rihanna ranks third on the overall list, she is the top-selling female digital singles artist, with 155.5 million certified units.
Number 2- Eminem
Eminem dropped to second place on the list last week, with 166 million RIAA-certified digital singles. The Detroit icon is still the best-selling album rapper of all time, with 61.5 million album certifications for his 2005 album, Curtain Call: The Hits.
Number 1- Drake
Drake is now the RIAA’s highest-selling singles artist, with 184 million RIAA certifications, thanks to diamond certificates for “Hotline Bling” and “One Dance,” as well as a 15-times platinum certification for “God’s Plan.”
