This is the list of the highest-certified music artists in the United States based on
certifications
Certification is the provision by an independent body of written assurance (a certificate) that the product, service or system in question meets specific requirements. It is the formal attestation or confirmation of certain characteristics of a ...
of albums and
digital singles (but not
physical singles) by the
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
RIAA certifications are based on wholesale shipments rather than retail sales. Since 2016, the RIAA album certification has also included on-demand audio/video streams (1,500 streams = 1
album unit) and track sale equivalent (10 track sales = 1 album unit).
Additionally, awards are only presented if and when a record company applies for certification. Therefore, the total certified units for a given artist may be incomplete or out of date.
The RIAA began its certifications in 1958, therefore, popular artists from earlier eras are generally not represented on this list. ,
The Beatles
The Beatles were an English Rock music, rock band, formed in Liverpool in 1960, that comprised John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr. They are regarded as the Cultural impact of the Beatles, most influential band of al ...
have the highest total certified albums and
Drake
Drake may refer to:
Animals
* A male duck
People and fictional characters
* Drake (surname), a list of people and fictional characters with the family name
* Drake (given name), a list of people and fictional characters with the given name ...
has the highest total certified digital singles.
Eminem,
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist. Dubbed the " King of Pop", he is regarded as one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century. Over ...
,
Mariah Carey, and
Taylor Swift
Taylor Alison Swift (born December 13, 1989) is an American singer-songwriter. Her discography spans multiple genres, and her vivid songwriting—often inspired by her personal life—has received critical praise and wide media coverage. Bo ...
are the only acts in the top 30 of both lists.
Top 100 certified music artists (albums)
Notes:
: Deceased
: Disbanded
Top 50 certified music artists (digital singles)
Notes:
: Deceased
: Disbanded
See also
*
List of best-selling music artists
*
List of best-selling albums in the United States
*
List of best-selling singles in the United States
References
External links
RIAA WebsiteDetailed List of Artists with Most Album Certification UnitsSearch RIAA Gold and Platinum Database
{{DEFAULTSORT:Highest-certified music artists in the United States
American music-related lists
Recording Industry Association of America
American music industry
Music recording certifications