List of best-selling music artists

This list includes music artists with claims of 75 million or more record sales. The artists in the following tables are listed with both their claimed sales figure along with their total of certified units and are ranked in descending order, with the artist with the highest amount of claimed sales at the top. If two or more artists have the same claimed sales, they are then ranked by certified units. The claimed sales figure and the total of certified units (for each country) within the provided sources include sales of albums, singles, compilation-albums, music videos as well as downloads of singles and full-length albums. Sales figures, such as those from Soundscan, which are sometimes published by Billboard magazine, have not been included in the certified units column. As of 2016, based on both sales claims and certified units, The Beatles are considered the highest-selling band and Elvis Presley is considered the highest-selling individual artist.

Definitions

All artists included on this list, which have begun charting on official albums or singles charts have their available claimed figures supported by at least 20% in certified units. That is why Cliff Richard, Diana Ross, Scorpions, Charles Aznavour, Bing Crosby, Gloria Estefan, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Tom Jones, The Jackson 5, Dionne Warwick, the Spice Girls, Luciano Pavarotti, Dolly Parton, Ozzy Osbourne, Andrea Bocelli and others have not been included on this list. The more recent the artist, the higher the required percentage of certified units, so artists such as Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Flo Rida, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Adele, Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars are expected to have their claimed figures supported by over 75% in certified units. The certified units are sourced from available online databases of local music industry associations. All certified units are converted from Gold/Platinum/Diamond certification awards based on criteria provided by certifying bodies. The certified sales percentage varies according to the first year that an artist appeared in the charts.^{[lower-alpha 1]}

The requirements of certified sales are designed to avoid inflated sales figures, which are frequently practiced by record companies for promotional purposes.^[1][2] The claimed figures are referenced from online articles created by highly reliable sources. For clarity, the sources used, say the term "records" (singles, albums, videos) and not "albums". However, if all available sources for an artist or band say "albums", such sources are only used if the certified album units of the said artist meet the required percentage amount. This list uses claimed figures that are closest to artists' available certified units: inflated claimed figures that meet the required certified units amount but are unrealistically high, are not used.

The claimed figures are upgraded only when there is a significant progress in artists' certified sales. In other words, the available certified sales for each artist should get relatively closer to already listed claimed figure in order for higher figures to replace the listed ones.

The certified sales of the newer artists may sometimes be higher than their listed claimed figures. This is because Recording Industry Association of America and almost all other certifying bodies count streaming towards Gold and Platinum thresholds required for Digital Single Award certification. For this reason, some singles and even albums get over certified by hundreds of thousands of units. The over certified figures, however, often times are in millions of units for RIAA certifications.

Artists by reputed sales

250 million or more records

• 

  The Beatles

• 

  Elvis Presley

• 

  Michael Jackson

• 

  Madonna

• 

  Elton John

• 

  Led Zeppelin

• 

  Pink Floyd

• To ensure the highest level of fact checking and editorial control, this list sources sales figures to news organizations and highly regarded music industry related organizations such as MTV, VH1, Billboard and Rolling Stone.
• The figures of total certified units within the table below are based on certified units of albums, singles (including digital downloads) and videos.
• Markets' order within the table is based on Retail Value: each market generates respectively, the largest market at the top and smallest at the bottom.^[3][4]

Artist	Country / Market	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)[lower-alpha 2]	Claimed sales
The Beatles	United Kingdom	1960–1970[5]	1962[5]	Rock / Pop[5]	Total available certified units: 269.9 million  US: 212.150 million[6] JPN: 4.950 million[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 8 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 16.995 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 3.890 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11] AUS: 3.060 million[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 14.445 million[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 550,000[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 280,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE 485,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 1.240 million[lower-alpha 2][18][19] AUT: 500,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 265,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 350,000[lower-alpha 2][23] DEN: 320,000[lower-alpha 2][24][25] POL: 175,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 1.590 million[lower-alpha 2][27] NZ: 660,000[lower-alpha 2][28][29]	600 million[30][31] 500 million[32]
Elvis Presley	United States	1954–1977[33]	1954[33]	Rock and roll / Pop / Country[33]	Total available certified units: 210.9 million  US: 188.650 million[6] JPN: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 1.2 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 11.745 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 2.590 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11] AUS: 1.522 million[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 2.925 million[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 125,000[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 105,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE 380,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][18][34][35] MEX: 105,000[lower-alpha 2][36][37] AUT: 197,500[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 115,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 185,000[lower-alpha 2][23] DEN: 120,000[lower-alpha 2][38][39][40] ARG: 110,000[lower-alpha 2][27] FIN: 213,945[lower-alpha 2][41] NZ: 110,000[lower-alpha 2][28][29]	600 million[42][43] 500 million[44]
Michael Jackson	United States	1964–2009[45]	1971[45]	Pop / Rock / Dance / Soul / R&B[45]	Total available certified units: 181.2 million  US: 102.5 million[6] JPN: 4.650 million[lower-alpha 2][7][46] GER: 11.275 million[8] UK: 26.395 million[9] FRA: 11.375 million[10][11][47] AUS: 6.6 million[lower-alpha 2][12][13][48][49][50] CAN: 4.670 million[14] BRA: 280,000[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 1.170 million[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 1.230 million[lower-alpha 2][17][51] SPA: 1.995 million[lower-alpha 2][18][19][34][35][52] MEX: 3.670 million[lower-alpha 2][36][53] AUT: 1.197 million[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 365,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 910,000[lower-alpha 2][23] DEN: 1.104 million[lower-alpha 2][54][55][56] POL: 460,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][27] FIN: 384,127[41] NZ: 902,500[28][29]	350 million[57] 300 million[58][59]
Madonna	United States	1979–present[60]	1982[60]	Pop / Dance / Electronica[60]	Total available certified units: 170 million  US: 85.675 million[6] JPN: 6.450 million [lower-alpha 2][7][46] GER: 12.4 million[8] UK: 28.345 million[9] FRA: 12.795 million[10][11][47] AUS: 4.717 million[lower-alpha 2][12][61][62] CAN: 6.030 million[14] BRA: 3.440 million[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 465,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 1.070 million[lower-alpha 2][17][51] SPA: 2.815 million[18][19][34][35][52] MEX: 510,000[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 602,500[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 690,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 1.080 million[lower-alpha 2][23] DEN: 387,000[lower-alpha 2][63][54][55][64][65][66] POL: 530,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 970,000[27] FIN: 652,686[41] NZ: 417,500[28][29]	300 million[67][68] 275 million[69]
Elton John	United Kingdom	1964–present[70]	1969[70]	Pop / Rock[70]	Total available certified units: 167.1 million  US: 116.850 million[6] JPN: 1.1 million [lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 7.9 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 21.435 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 4.825 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11][47] AUS: 2.842 million[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 5.975 million[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 835,000[lower-alpha 2][15] SWE: 740,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 1.2 million[lower-alpha 2][18][19][35][52] MEX: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 765,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 390,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 1.313 million[lower-alpha 2][23] DEN: 150,000[lower-alpha 2][39][55][71] POL: 150,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 120,000[27] FIN: 163,481[41] NZ: 255,000[lower-alpha 2][28][29]	300 million[72][73] 250 million[74][75]
Led Zeppelin	United Kingdom	1968–1980[76]	1969[76]	Hard rock / Blues rock / Folk rock[76]	Total available certified units: 139.3 million  US: 114.1 million[6] JPN: 400,000 [lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 3.775 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 8.930 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 2.310 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11][77] AUS: 2.8 million[lower-alpha 2][12][78][79] CAN: 4.710 million[14] BRA: 820,000[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 345,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SPA: 450,000[lower-alpha 2][19][35][52] SWI: 211,000[lower-alpha 2][23] POL: 120,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 360,000[lower-alpha 2][27]	300 million[80][81] 200 million[82][83]
Pink Floyd	United Kingdom	1965–1996, 2014[84][85]	1967[84]	Progressive rock / Psychedelic rock[84]	Total available certified units: 118.6 million  US: 78 million[6] JPN: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][86] GER: 7.5 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 11.270 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 6.360 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11][47] AUS: 2.932 million[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 6.790 million[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 515,000[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 1.585[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 220,000[lower-alpha 2][17][51] SPA: 625,000[lower-alpha 2][18][19][34][52] AUT: 460,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 115,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 390,000[lower-alpha 2][23] POL: 580,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 430,000[lower-alpha 2][27] NZ: 787,500[lower-alpha 2][28][29]	250 million[87][88] 200 million[89][90]

• The column for certified sales above includes markets, the databases of which contain certifications representing figures of 100,000 and more.

200 million to 249 million records

• 

  Rihanna

• 

  Mariah Carey

• 

  Celine Dion

• 

  AC/DC

• 

  Whitney Houston

• 

  Queen

• 

  The Rolling Stones

• To ensure the highest level of fact checking and editorial control, this list sources sales figures to news organizations and highly regarded music industry related organizations such as MTV, VH1, Billboard and Rolling Stone.
• The figures of total certified units within the table below are based on certified units of albums, singles (including digital downloads) and videos.
• Markets' order within the table is based on Retail Value each market generates respectively, the largest market at the top and the smallest at the bottom.^[3][4]

Artist	Country / Market	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)[lower-alpha 2]	Claimed sales
Rihanna	Barbados United States	2005–present[91]	2005[91]	R&B / Pop / Dance / Hip-hop[91]	Total available certified units: 205.6 million  US: 152.550 million[6] JPN: 1.2 million[7][46] GER: 3.475 million[8] UK: 26.8 million[9] FRA: 1.050 million[11] AUS: 8.730 million[12] CAN: 2.2 million[14] BRA: 555,000[15] ITA: 1.295[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 2.4 million[17][51] SPA: 1.410 million[18] MEX: 290,000[36] AUT: 112,500[20] BEL: 615,000[22] SWI: 840,000[23] DEN: 922,500[63][54][55][56][71][92][93][94] POL: 330,000[26] IRE: 240,000[95] NZ: 622,500[28][29]	200 million[96][97]
Mariah Carey	United States	1988–present[98]	1990[98]	R&B / Pop / Soul / Hip-hop[98]	Total available certified units: 131.9 million  US: 89.6 million[6] JPN: 14.5 million [lower-alpha 2][7][46][99] GER: 3.250 million[8] UK: 8.960 million[9] FRA: 4.690 million[10][11][47] AUS: 3.445 million[lower-alpha 2][12][100] CAN: 3.860 million[14] BRA: 835,000[15] ITA: 200,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 425,000[17] SPA: 975,000[18][19][35][52] AUT: 200,000[20] BEL: 150,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 515,000[23] POL: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][26] NZ: 240,000[lower-alpha 2][28]	200 million[101][102] 175 million[103][104]
Celine Dion	Canada	1981–present[105]	1981[105]	Pop[105]	Total available certified units: 124.4 million  US: 56.550 million[6] JPN: 7.150 million[lower-alpha 2][7][106][107] GER: 8 million[8] UK: 13.195 million[9] FRA: 15.635 million[10][11][47][77] AUS: 3.302 million[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 12.245 million[14] BRA: 505,000[lower-alpha 2][15] SWE: 1.105 million[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 1 million[35][52] AUT: 440,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 1.885 million[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 1.650 million[lower-alpha 2][23] DEN: 184,000[lower-alpha 2][39][108][109][110] POL: 680,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 340,000[27] FIN: 356,183[41] NZ: 192,500[28][29]	200 million[111][112] 175 million[113][114]
AC/DC	Australia	1973–present[115]	1975[115]	Hard rock / Blues rock / Rock and roll[115]	Total available certified units: 112.7 million  US: 79.7 million[6] GER: 10.300 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 4.000 million[9] FRA: 4.180 million[10][11] AUS: 7.330 million[lower-alpha 2][12] ITA: 645,000[lower-alpha 2][16] CAN: 2.490 million[lower-alpha 2][14] SWE: 350,000[lower-alpha 2][17][51] SPA: 1.355 million[lower-alpha 2][18][19][34][35][52] AUT: 380,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][22] SWI: 894,000[lower-alpha 2][23] ARG: 570,000[lower-alpha 2][27] FIN: 309,089[41] NZ: 140,000[lower-alpha 2][28][29]	200 million[116][117] 150 million[118][119]
Whitney Houston	United States	1977–2012[120]	1984[120]	R&B / Soul / Pop[120]	Total available certified units: 112 million  US: 75.275 million[6] JPN: 4.3 million[lower-alpha 2][7][121] GER: 5.6 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 14.105 million[9] FRA: 2.275 million[10][11][47] AUS: 1.580 million[lower-alpha 2][12][13][122] CAN: 3.430 million[14] BRA: 1.025[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 115,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 1.035 million[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 1.260 million[18][19][34][35] AUT: 535,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 215,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 845,000[lower-alpha 2][23] POL: 170,000[lower-alpha 2][26] FIN: 247,222[41]	200 million[123][124] 170 million[125][126]
Queen	United Kingdom	1971–present[127]	1973[127]	Rock[127]	Total available certified units: 110 million  US: 50.7 million[6] JPN: 2.850 million[lower-alpha 2][7][46][128] GER: 11.525 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 28.405 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 4.495 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11][47] AUS: 2.167 million[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 1.870 million[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 970,000[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 435,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 190,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 1.720 million[lower-alpha 2][18][19][34][35] AUT: 900,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 1.256 million[lower-alpha 2][23] POL: 760,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 1.040 million[lower-alpha 2][27] FIN: 366,152[41] NZ: 275,000[lower-alpha 2][28][29]	200 million[129][130] 150 million[131]
The Rolling Stones	United Kingdom	1962–present[132]	1963[132]	Rock / Blues rock / Pop [132]	Total available certified units: 95.5 million  US: 74.750 million[6] JPN: 950,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 2.9 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 7.650 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 3.140 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11][47] AUS: 382,500[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 2.960 million[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 130,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 310,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 670,000[lower-alpha 2][18][19][34][35][52] AUT: 285,000[lower-alpha 2][20] SWI: 238,000[lower-alpha 2][23] POL: 150,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 710,000[lower-alpha 2][27] NZ: 182,500[lower-alpha 2][28][29]	200 million[133][134]
ABBA	Sweden	1972–1982[135]	1972[135]	Pop / Disco[135]	Total available certified units: 60.4 million  US: 12.7 million[6] JPN: 1.5 million[lower-alpha 2][46][136][137] GER: 10.450 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 18.710 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 2.750 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11][47] AUS: 6.127 million[lower-alpha 2][12][138] CAN: 2.785 million[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 275,000[lower-alpha 2][15][51] SWE: 800,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 1.005 million[lower-alpha 2][18][34] MEX: 260,000[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 175,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 380,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 600,000[lower-alpha 2][23] DEN: 600,000[lower-alpha 2][139][140][141] POL: 150,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 230,000[lower-alpha 2][27] FIN: 656,319[41] NZ: 297,500[lower-alpha 2][29][142][143]	200 million[144][145] 100 million[146][147]

• The column for certified sales above includes markets, the databases of which contain certifications representing figures of 100,000 and more.

120 million to 199 million records

• 

  Taylor Swift

• 

  Garth Brooks

• 

  Eagles

• 

  Eminem

• 

  U2

• 

  Billy Joel

• 

  Kanye West

• To ensure the highest level of fact checking and editorial control, this list sources sales figures to news organizations and highly regarded music industry related organizations such as MTV, VH1, Billboard and Rolling Stone.
• The figures of total certified units within the table below are based on certified units of albums, singles (including digital downloads) and videos.
• Markets' order within the table is based on Retail Value each market generates respectively, the largest market at the top and the smallest at the bottom.^[3][4]

Artist	Country / Market	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)[lower-alpha 2]	Claimed sales
Taylor Swift	United States	2006–present[148]	2006[148]	Country / Country pop / Pop / Pop-rock[148]	Total available certified units: 149 million  US: 129 million[6] JPN: 2.6 million[7][46] GER: 550,000[8] UK: 6.6 million[9] AUS: 5.145 million[12] CAN: 4.180 million[14] BRA: 110,000[15] SWE: 120,000[51] MEX: 390,000[36][37][53] NZ: 322,500[28][29]	170 million[149]
Garth Brooks	United States	1989–present[150]	1989[150]	Country[150]	Total available certified units: 146 million  US: 139.4 million[6] UK: 520,000[9] AUS: 280,000[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 5.690 million[14] IRE: 120,000[lower-alpha 2][95]	160 million[151]
Eminem	United States	1996–present[152]	1999[152]	Hip-hop[152]	Total available certified units: 128 million  US: 84.1 million[6] JPN: 2.9 million [7][46] GER: 3.450 million[8] UK: 19.825 million[9] FRA: 3.170 million[11][77] AUS: 5.632 million[12] CAN: 3.770 million[14] BRA: 200,000[15] ITA: 400,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 810,000[17][51] SPA: 290,000[18][52] MEX: 365,000[36] AUT: 310,000[20] BEL: 475,000[21][22] SWI: 805,000[23] DEN: 375,000[lower-alpha 2][54][153] POL: 250,000[26] FIN: 124,547[41] IRE: 285,000[lower-alpha 2][95] NZ: 562,500[28][29]	155 million[154]
Eagles	United States	1971–1980, 1994–2016[155]	1972[155]	Rock[155]	Total available certified units: 128.8 million  US: 108.9 million[6] JPN: 600,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 925,000[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 7.235 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 2.040 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11][47] AUS: 3.395 million[lower-alpha 2][12][156] CAN: 4.2 million[lower-alpha 2][14] SWE: 140,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 500,000[lower-alpha 2][18][19] SWI: 290,000[lower-alpha 2][23] DEN: 140,000[lower-alpha 2][55] FIN: 124,749[41] NZ: 352,500[lower-alpha 2][28][29]	150 million[157]
U2	Ireland	1976–present[158]	1980[158]	Rock[158]	Total available certified units: 106 million  US: 53.1 million[6] JPN: 1.450 million[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 5.125 million[8] UK: 18.220 million[9] FRA: 5.025 million[10][11] AUS: 4.412 million[lower-alpha 2][12][13][159] CAN: 7.115 million[14] BRA: 2.675 million[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 640,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 515,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 2.275 million[18][19][34][35][52] MEX: 835,000[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 500,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 725,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 696,000[lower-alpha 2][23] DEN: 454,000[lower-alpha 2][54][55][56][71][160] POL: 360,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 590,000[27] FIN: 235,460[41] IRE: 316,000[lower-alpha 2][95] NZ: 765,000[28][29]	150 million[161]
Billy Joel	United States	1964–present[162]	1971[162]	Pop / Rock[162]	Total available certified units: 102.2 million  US: 87.950 million[6] JPN: 2 million[lower-alpha 2][7][163] GER: 1.250 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 5.255 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 925,000[lower-alpha 2][10][11][47] AUS: 1.267[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 3.275 million[lower-alpha 2][14] AUT: 125,000[lower-alpha 2][20] NZ: 162,500[lower-alpha 2][28]	150 million[164]
Phil Collins	United Kingdom	1980–2011, 2015–present[165]	1981[165]	Rock / Progressive rock / Adult contemporary[165]	Total available certified units: 87.5 million  US: 39.850 million[6] JPN: 800,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 13.8 million[8] UK: 15.010 million[9] FRA: 6.410 million[10][11][47] AUS: 1.522[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 3.375 million[14] BRA: 1.370 million[lower-alpha 2][15] SWE: 245,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 2.150 million[18][19][35][52] AUT: 440,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 305,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 973,000[lower-alpha 2][23] ARG: 980 million[27] FIN: 182,581[41] NZ: 122,500[28][29]	150 million[166]
Aerosmith	United States	1970–present[167]	1973[167]	Hard rock[167]	Total available certified units: 84.1 million  US: 70.250 million[6] JPN: 2.7 million[lower-alpha 2][7][46] GER: 2 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 3.170 million[9] FRA: 225,000[10][11][47] CAN: 3.950 million[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 600,000[lower-alpha 2][15] SWE: 260,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 200,000[lower-alpha 2][18][35] MEX: 230,000[lower-alpha 2][36] SWI: 145,000[lower-alpha 2][23] AUT: 125,000[lower-alpha 2][20] POL: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 290,000[lower-alpha 2][27] FIN: 101,722[41]	150 million[168]
Frank Sinatra	United States	1935–1995[169]	1939[169]	Pop / Swing[169]	Total available certified units: 37.1 million  US: 28.2 million[lower-alpha 2][6] GER: 1 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 5.325 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 600,000[lower-alpha 2][10] AUS: 245,000[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 650,000[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 350,000[lower-alpha 2][15] SWE: 130,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 500,000[lower-alpha 2][19][35][52] ARG: 180,000[lower-alpha 2][27]	150 million[170]
Barbra Streisand	United States	1960–present[171]	1963[171]	Pop / Adult contemporary[171]	Total available certified units: 97.4 million  US: 82.450 million[6] GER: 750,000[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 5.765 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 3.150 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11][47] AUS: 2.047 million[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 2.650 million[lower-alpha 2][14] SWE: 120,000[17][51] SPA: 150,000[lower-alpha 2][52] FIN: 186,501[lower-alpha 2][41] NZ: 137,500[lower-alpha 2][28]	145 million[172]
Kanye West	United States	1996–present[173]	2004[173]	Hip-hop / Electronic / Pop rock[173]	Total available certified units: 102 million  US: 89.250 million[6] JPN: 100,000[174] GER: 300,000[8] UK: 8.5 million[9] AUS: 2.135 million[12] CAN: 1.180 million[14] ITA: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 160,000[51] DEN: 296,500[63][55][56][175]	121 million[176]
Bruce Springsteen	United States	1972–present[177]	1973[177]	Rock[177]	Total available certified units: 100.6 million  US: 76.150 million[6] JPN: 400,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 4.325 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 7.085 million[9] FRA: 1.887 million[10][11][47] AUS: 2.892 million[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 3.2 million[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 375,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 810,000[lower-alpha 2][17][51] SPA: 1.730 million[lower-alpha 2][18][19][34][35][52] AUT: 290,000[lower-alpha 2][20] SWI: 400,000[lower-alpha 2][23] DEN: 345,000[lower-alpha 2][63][54][56][178] FIN: 449,800[41] IRE: 189,500[lower-alpha 2][95]	120 million[179]
Bee Gees	United Kingdom Australia[180][181]	1963–2003 2009–2012[182]	1963[182]	Pop / Disco[182]	Total available certified units: 67.3 million  US: 41.5 million[6] JPN: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][7][183][184] GER: 6.675 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 9.065 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 3.4 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11][47] AUS: 1.187 million[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 3.215 million[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 350,000[lower-alpha 2][15] SPA: 450,000[lower-alpha 2][19][34][52] AUT: 125,000[lower-alpha 2][20] SWI: 415,000[lower-alpha 2][23] POL: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 180,000[lower-alpha 2][27] NZ: 380,000[lower-alpha 2][28][29]	120 million[185]

• The column for certified sales above includes markets, the databases of which contain certifications representing figures of 100,000 and more.

100 million to 119 million records

• 

  Katy Perry

• 

  Adele

• 

  Bruno Mars

• 

  Justin Bieber

• 

  Lady Gaga

• 

  Metallica

• 

  Jay Z

• To ensure the high level of fact checking and editorial control, this list sources sales figures to news organizations and highly regarded music industry related organizations such as MTV, VH1, Billboard and Rolling Stone.
• The figures of total certified units within the table below are based on certified units of albums, singles (including digital downloads) and videos.
• Markets' order within the table is based on Retail Value each market generates respectively, the largest market at the top and the smallest at the bottom.^[3][4]

Artist	Country / Market	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)[lower-alpha 2]	Claimed sales
Lady Gaga	United States	2005–present[186]	2008[186]	Pop / Dance / Electronic[186]	Total available certified units: 94.9 million  US: 65.5 million[6] JPN: 5.4 million[7][46] GER: 2.9 million[8] UK: 10.285 million[9] FRA: 1.58 million[11][77] AUS: 2.645 million[12] CAN: 2.320 million[14] BRA: 380,000[15] ITA: 690,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 680,000[17][51] SPA: 410,000[18] MEX: 360,000[36] AUT: 182,500[20] BEL: 270,000[22] SWI: 445,000[23] DEN: 340,000[55][56][94] POL: 130,000[26] IRE: 165,000[95] NZ: 277,500[28][29]	114 million[187]
Metallica	United States	1981–present[188]	1983[188]	Heavy metal / Thrash metal[188]	Total available certified units: 92 million  US: 72.3 million[6] JPN: 900,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 3.325 million[8] UK: 3.095 million[9] FRA: 840,000[10][11] AUS: 2.637 million[lower-alpha 2][12][13][189] CAN: 3.725 million[14] BRA: 380,000[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 125,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 675,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 420,000[18][35][52] MEX: 250,000[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 325,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 305,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 560,000[lower-alpha 2][23] POL: 605,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 770,000[27] FIN: 530,676[41] NZ: 315,000[28][29]	110 million[190]
Katy Perry	United States	2001–present[191]	2008[191]	Pop[191]	Total available certified units: 117.6 million  US: 89.5 million[6] JPN: 300,000[7][46] GER: 2.550 million[8] UK: 11.350 million[9] FRA: 550,000[11] AUS: 5.020 million[12] CAN: 4.680 million[14] BRA: 595,000[15] ITA: 580,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 520,000[17][51] SPA: 140,000[18] MEX: 810,000[36][53] AUT: 225,000[20] BEL: 120,000[22] SWI: 160,000[23] DEN: 180,000[54][56] NZ: 360,000[28][29]	100 million[192]
Adele	United Kingdom	2006–present[193]	2008[193]	Pop, soul[193]	Total available certified units: 98.9 million  US: 59.5 million[6] JPN: 100,000[7] GER: 4.5 million[8] UK: 18.050 million[9] AUS: 3.780 million[12] CAN: 5.020 million[14] BRA: 1.310 million[15] ITA: 1.495 million[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 240,000[17][51] SPA: 800,000[18] MEX: 1.490 million[36][37][53] BEL: 780,000[22] SWI: 510,000[23] DEN: 492,500[54][56] POL: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][26] FIN: 104,157[41] NZ: 517,500[28]	100 million[194]
Bruno Mars	United States	2004–present[195]	2010[195]	Pop rock / R&B[195]	Total available certified units: 97.7 million  US: 69 million[6] JPN: 750,000[7][46] GER: 2.9 million[8] UK: 11.4 million[9] FRA: 1.250 million[11] AUS: 4.180 million[12] CAN: 4.4 million[14] ITA: 470,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 380,000[17][51] SPA: 350,000[18] MEX: 750,000[36][37][53] AUT: 180,000[20] BEL: 285,000[22] SWI: 390,000[23] DEN: 280,000[lower-alpha 2][56][196] NZ: 442,500[28] PHL: 330,000[197]	100 million[198]
Justin Bieber	Canada United States	2008–present[199]	2009[199]	Pop / Teen pop, Dance pop[199]	Total available certified units: 96.8 million  US: 69.5 million[6] JPN: 600,000 [7][46] GER: 1.1 million[8] UK: 9.960 million[9] FRA: 850,000[11] AUS: 3.465 million[12] CAN: 4.580 million[14] BRA: 500,000[15] ITA: 1.245 million[16] SWE: 1.360 million[17][51] SPA: 700,000[18] MEX: 1.020 million[36][37][53] BEL: 315,000[22] DEN: 1 million[56] POL: 250,000[26] NZ: 435,000[28]	100 million[200]
Jay Z	United States	1996–present[201]	1996[201]	Hip-hop[201]	Total available certified units: 87.3 million  US: 72.7 million[6] JPN: 1.050 million[46] GER: 1.400 million[8] UK: 8.720 million[9] FRA: 400,000[11] AUS: 1.260[12] CAN: 1.6 million[14] ITA: 155,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 130,000[17][51]	100 million[202]
Bon Jovi	United States	1983–present[203]	1983[203]	Hard rock / Glam metal[203]	Total available certified units: 83.4 million  US: 49.9 million[6] JPN: 4.250 million[lower-alpha 2][7][46] GER: 5.650 million[8] UK: 9.030 million[9] FRA: 825,000[10][11][47] AUS: 3.070 million[lower-alpha 2][12][204][205] CAN: 4.735 million[14] BRA: 435,000[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 110,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 365,000[lower-alpha 2][17][51] SPA: 1.620 million[18][19][34][35][52] MEX: 250,000[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 725,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 165,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 1.275 million[lower-alpha 2][23] POL: 110,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 350,000[27] FIN: 422,500[41] NZ: 210,000[28][29]	100 million[206]
Lil Wayne	United States	1996–present[207]	1999[207]	Hip-hop[207]	Total available certified units: 79.7 million  US: 77.7 million[6] UK: 1.260 million[9] AUS: 525,000[12] CAN: 280,000[14]	100 million[208]
Rod Stewart	United Kingdom	1964–present[209]	1969[209]	Rock / Pop[209]	Total available certified units: 77.8 million  US: 43.650 million[6] JPN: 450,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 3.8 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 18.330 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 1.8 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11][47] AUS: 2.610 million[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 4.055 million[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 980,000[lower-alpha 2][15] SWE: 440,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 290,000[lower-alpha 2][18][19][34] SWI: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][23] AUT: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][20] POL: 220,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 500,000[lower-alpha 2][27] IRE: 195,000[lower-alpha 2][95] NZ: 280,000[lower-alpha 2][28][29]	100 million[210]
Britney Spears	United States	1998–present[211]	1998[211]	Pop / Dance / Dance-pop[211]	Total available certified units: 77.6 million  US: 43.7 million[6] JPN: 2.1 million[7][121] GER: 5.050 million[8] UK: 9.750 million[9] FRA: 3.732 million[10][11][47] AUS: 3.130 million[12] CAN: 3.680 million[14] BRA: 380,000[15] ITA: 150,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 1.010 million[17][51] SPA: 990,000[18][35][52] MEX: 1.175 million[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 365,000[20] BEL: 935,000[21][22] SWI: 485,000[23] DEN: 161,500[lower-alpha 2][54][55][212][213] POL: 210,000[26] ARG: 240,000[27] FIN: 143,627[41] NZ: 240,000[28][29]	100 million[214]
Fleetwood Mac	United Kingdom United States	1967–present[215]	1968[215]	Rock / Pop[215]	Total available certified units: 74.6 million  US: 51.250 million[6] GER: 3.5 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 12.620 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 800,000[lower-alpha 2][10][11] AUS: 2.487 million[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 2.950 million[lower-alpha 2][14] SPA: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][35][52] BEL: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][22] SWI: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][23] NZ: 572,500[lower-alpha 2][29][216][217]	100 million[218]
Guns N' Roses	United States	1985–present[219]	1987[219]	Hard rock / Heavy metal[219]	Total available certified units: 73 million  US: 48.5 million[6] JPN: 1.7 million[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 4.1 million[8] UK: 5.450 million[9] FRA: 1 million[11] AUS: 2.270[lower-alpha 2][12][13][156] CAN: 3.520 million[14] BRA: 1.9 million[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 535,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 485,000[17] SPA: 450,000[18][19][34] MEX: 760,000[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 365,000[20] BEL: 165,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 365,000[lower-alpha 2][23] ARG: 1.080 million[lower-alpha 2][27] IRE: 105,000[lower-alpha 2][95] NZ: 270,000[28][29]	100 million[220]
George Strait	United States	1981–present[221]	1984[221]	Country[221]	Total available certified units: 72.8 million  US: 72.150 million[6] CAN: 705,000[14]	100 million[222]
Backstreet Boys	United States	1993–present[223]	1995[223]	Pop[223]	Total available certified units: 71.2 million  US: 41.5 million[6] JPN: 5.4 million[7][46][224] GER: 7 million[8] UK: 4.035 million[9] FRA: 325,000[10][11] AUS: 1.4 million[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 3.430 million[14] BRA: 1.625 million[15] SWE: 655,000[17] SPA: 1.850 million[35][52] MEX: 1.475 million[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 325,000[20] BEL: 425,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 415,000[23] POL: 300,000[26] ARG: 740,000[27] FIN: 171,390[41] NZ: 132,500[28]	100 million[225]
Neil Diamond	United States	1966–present[226]	1966[226]	Pop / Rock[226]	Total available certified units: 68.2 million  US: 55.9 million[6] GER: 1 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 7.130 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 400,000[lower-alpha 2][10] AUS: 1.910 million[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 1.725 million[lower-alpha 2][14] SPA: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][34] NZ: 127,500[lower-alpha 2][28][29]	100 million[227]
Prince	United States	1976–2016[228]	1978[228]	Funk / R&B / Pop / Soul / Rock[228]	Total available certified units: 63.7 million  US: 48.950 million[6] JPN: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 2.4 million[8] UK: 6.545 million[9] FRA: 2.110 million[10][11] AUS: 1.120[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 1 million[14] SWE: 100,000[17] SPA: 700,000[lower-alpha 2][19][34][35][52] AUT: 125,000[lower-alpha 2][20] SWI: 250,000[lower-alpha 2][23] NZ: 177,500[lower-alpha 2][28]	100 million[229]
Paul McCartney	United Kingdom	1960–present[230]	1970[230]	Rock[230]	Total available certified units: 60.6 million  US: 41.450 million[6] JPN: 500,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 1.525 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 12.365 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 1.305 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11][47] AUS: 465,000[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 1.955 million[lower-alpha 2][14] SWE: 210,000[lower-alpha 2][51][231] SPA: 640,000[lower-alpha 2][19][34] DEN: 210,000[lower-alpha 2][55][232]	100 million[233]
Kenny Rogers	United States	1958–present[234]	1975[234]	Country / Pop[234]	Total available certified units: 58.9 million  US: 51.550 million[6] JPN: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][235] UK: 2.460 million[9] AUS: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][236][237] CAN: 4.6 million[14] SPA: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][34]	100 million[238]
Janet Jackson	United States	1982–present[239]	1982[239]	R&B / Pop[239]	Total available certified units: 52.1 million  US: 39.750 million[6] JPN: 1.6 million [lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 1.4 million[8] UK: 4.760 million[9] FRA: 1.475 million[10][11][47] AUS: 1.155[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 1.460 million[14] SWE: 105,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 150,000[35][52] BEL: 125,000[lower-alpha 2][21] SWI: 170,000[lower-alpha 2][23]	100 million[240]
Julio Iglesias	Spain	1968–present[241]	1968[241]	Latin[241]	Total available certified units: 51 million  US: 11 million[6] JPN: 800,000[lower-alpha 2][242] GER: 250,000[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 1.620 million[lower-alpha 2][9][242] FRA: 6.1 million[10][11][47][242] AUS: 540,000[lower-alpha 2][12][242] CAN: 1.5 million[14] BRA: 12.475 million[lower-alpha 2][15][242] ITA: 400,000[lower-alpha 2][16][242] NLD:950,000[lower-alpha 2][242] SWE: 290,000[lower-alpha 2][17][242] SPA: 8.7 million[lower-alpha 2][18][19][34][35][52][242] MEX: 2.975 million[lower-alpha 2][36][242] BEL: 125,000[lower-alpha 2][242] ARG: 3.220 million[lower-alpha 2][27][242] FIN: 131,636[lower-alpha 2][41]	100 million[243]
Chicago	United States	1967–present[244]	1969[244]	Rock / Pop[244]	Total available certified units: 48.3 million  US: 44.150 million[6] JPN: 400,000[lower-alpha 2][7][245] GER: 250,000[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 1.490 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][10] CAN: 1.865 million[14] SPA: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][19]	100 million[246]
The Carpenters	United States	1969–1983[247]	1969[247]	Pop[247]	Total available certified units: 45.9 million  US: 34.6 million[6] JPN: 2.8 million[lower-alpha 2][7][107][248] UK: 7.890 million[lower-alpha 2][9] GER: 250,000[lower-alpha 2][8] CAN: 275,000[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][15]	100 million[249]
Bob Dylan	United States	1959–present[250]	1963[250]	Folk / Rock[250]	Total available certified units: 45.1 million  US: 35.6 million[6] GER: 625,000[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 5.825 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 800,000[lower-alpha 2][10][11] AUS: 480,000[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 1.5 million[lower-alpha 2][14] SWI: 175,000[lower-alpha 2][23] NZ: 105,000[lower-alpha 2][28]	100 million[251]
Dire Straits	United Kingdom	1977–1995[252]	1978[252]	Rock [252]	Total available certified units: 44.4 million  US: 15.5 million[6] GER: 3.750 million[8] UK: 10.900 million[9] FRA: 5.3 million[10][11] AUS: 2.190 million[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 2.575 million[14] BRA: 175,000[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 275,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 360,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 1.380 million[lower-alpha 2][18][19][34][35] AUT: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 1 million[lower-alpha 2][23] FIN: 471,530[41] NZ: 155,000[lower-alpha 2][29]	100 million[253]
Bryan Adams	Canada	1979–present[254]	1979[254]	Rock[254]	Total available certified units: 44.2 million  US: 21 million[6] JPN: 600,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 3.850 million[8] UK: 8.475 million[9] FRA: 650,000[10][11][47] AUS: 2.010 million[lower-alpha 2][12][255] CAN: 5.080 million[14] BRA: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][15] SWE: 440,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 450,000 [lower-alpha 2][19][35][52] AUT: 375,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 250,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 805,000[lower-alpha 2][23] FIN: 183,444[41]	100 million[256]
Def Leppard	United Kingdom	1977–present[257]	1979[257]	Hard rock / Heavy metal[257]	Total available certified units: 41.6 million  US: 35.650 million[6] JPN: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][7] UK: 1.660 million[9] FRA: 200,000[10] AUS: 385,000[13][258] CAN: 2.995 million[14] SWE: 150,000[lower-alpha 2][17] MEX: 200,000[lower-alpha 2][36] SWI: 125,000[lower-alpha 2][23]	100 million[259]
Cher	United States	1964–present[260]	1965[260]	Pop / Rock / Dance / Folk[260]	Total available certified units: 40.4 million  US: 21.9 million[6] JPN: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 4.175 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 6.450 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 1.525 million[lower-alpha 2][11][47] AUS: 1.530 million[lower-alpha 2][12][261] CAN: 1.340 million[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 125,000[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][262] SWE: 850,000[lower-alpha 2][17][51] SPA: 600,000[lower-alpha 2][35][52][262] MEX: 200,000[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 250,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 275,000[lower-alpha 2][21] SWI: 295,000[lower-alpha 2][23] DEN: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][262][263] POL: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][26] NZ: 150,000[28][264]	100 million[265]
Lionel Richie	United States	1968–present[266]	1981[266]	Pop / R&B[266]	Total available certified units: 40.2 million  US: 28.650 million[6] GER: 1.050 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 6.155 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 1.4 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11] AUS: 260,000[lower-alpha 2][12][267] CAN: 2.380 million[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][15] SPA: 150,000[19][34] SWI: 145,000[lower-alpha 2][23]	100 million[268]
Genesis	United Kingdom	1967–1999 2006–present[269]	1969[269]	Progressive rock / Pop rock[269]	Total available certified units: 39.9 million  US: 21.650 million[6] JPN: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 5.875 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 7.325 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 3.460 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11] CAN: 805,000[lower-alpha 2][14] SWE: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 250,000[lower-alpha 2][18][19][34] SWI: 400,000[lower-alpha 2][23]	100 million[270]
James Taylor	United States	1968–present[271]	1970[271]	Rock / Pop[271]	Total available certified units: 35.5 million  US: 34.650 million[6] UK: 655,000[lower-alpha 2][9] AUS: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][14]	100 million[272]
Olivia Newton-John	Australia	1966–present[273]	1966[273]	Pop[273]	Total available certified units: 34.6 million  US: 27 million[6] JPN: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 250,000[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 3.950 million[lower-alpha 2][9] AUS: 275,000[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 3.025 million[lower-alpha 2][14]	100 million[274]
Stevie Wonder	United States	1961–present[275]	1962[275]	Funk / R&B / Soul[275]	Total available certified units: 34.2 million  US: 21.650 million[6] JPN: 1.050 million[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 500,000[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 7.885 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 1.4 million[lower-alpha 2][10][47] CAN: 1.550 million[14] SPA: 250,000[lower-alpha 2][34]	100 million[276]
Tina Turner	United States	1955–present[277]	1975[277]	Rock / Pop[277]	Total available certified units: 32.6 million  US: 12.7 million[6] GER: 6.050 million[8] UK: 7.945 million[9] FRA: 1.135 million[10][11][47] AUS: 480,000[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 1.560 million[14] SWE: 330,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 700,000[lower-alpha 2][18][19][34][35] AUT: 630,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 190,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 565,000[lower-alpha 2][23] POL: 120,000[lower-alpha 2][26] FIN: 241,954[41]	100 million[278]
Linda Ronstadt	United States	1967–present[279]	1968[279]	Rock / Folk / Country[279]	Total available certified units: 32.5 million  US: 31.5 million[6] UK: 435,000[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][10] CAN: 500,000[lower-alpha 2][14]	100 million[280]
Donna Summer	United States	1968–2012[281]	1974[281]	Pop / Disco / R&B[281]	Total available certified units: 30.8 million  US: 24.5 million[6] UK: 3.735 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 900,000[lower-alpha 2][10][11] CAN: 1.550 million[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][15] SPA: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][35]	100 million[282]
The Beach Boys	United States	1961–present[283]	1962[283]	Rock / Pop / Surf Rock[283]	Total available certified units: 30 million  US: 25.6 million[6] GER: 250,000[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 2.950 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 400,000[lower-alpha 2][10][11][47] AUS: 492,500[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][14] SPA: 250,000[lower-alpha 2][34][35]	100 million[284]
David Bowie	United Kingdom	1962–2016[285]	1967[285]	Art rock / Glam rock / Pop[285]	Total available certified units: 28.6 million  US: 11.2 million[6] JPN: 200,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 525,000[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 10.945 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 2.380 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11][47] AUS: 565,000[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 2.215 million[lower-alpha 2][14] ITA: 320,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SPA: 170,000[lower-alpha 2][18][19][34] NZ: 142,500[lower-alpha 2][28]	100 million[286]
The Who	United Kingdom	1964–present[287]	1965[287]	Rock / Hard rock[287]	Total available certified units: 26.5 million  US: 22.150 million[6] UK: 3.705 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][10] CAN: 425,000[lower-alpha 2][14]	100 million[288]
Barry White	United States	1972–2003[289]	1973[289]	R&B / Soul[289]	Total available certified units: 21.7 million  US: 16.5 million[6] UK: 3.665 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 1.1 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11] CAN: 150,000[lower-alpha 2][14] SPA: 200,000[lower-alpha 2][52] BEL: 150,000[lower-alpha 2][22]	100 million[290]

• The column for certified sales above includes markets, the databases of which contain certifications representing figures of 100,000 and more.

80 million to 99 million records

• 

  B'z

• 

  Beyoncé

• 

  Shania Twain

• 

  Flo Rida

• 

  Van Halen

• 

  Coldplay

• 

  Santana

• To ensure the highest level of fact checking and editorial control, this list sources sales figures to news organizations and highly regarded music industry related organizations such as MTV, VH1, Billboard and Rolling Stone.
• The figures of total certified units within the table below are based on certified units of albums, singles (including digital downloads) and videos.
• Markets' order within the table is based on Retail Value each market generates respectively, the largest market at the top and the smallest at the bottom.^[3][4]

Artist	Country / Market	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)[lower-alpha 2]	Claimed sales
Santana	United States	1966–present[291]	1969[291]	Rock[291]	Total available certified units: 61.4 million  US: 47.295 million[6] JPN: 400,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 2.4 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 2.780 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 3.510 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11][47] AUS: 855,000[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 1.660 million[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 375,000[lower-alpha 2][15] SWE: 125,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 450,000[lower-alpha 2][35][52] MEX: 405,000[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 145,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 190,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 375,000[lower-alpha 2][23] POL: 205,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 150,000[lower-alpha 2][27] NZ: 135,000[lower-alpha 2][28][29]	90 million[292]
Earth, Wind & Fire	United States	1969–present[293]	1971[293]	Funk / R&B / Soul[293]	Total available certified units: 35.2 million  US: 31.8 million[6] JPN: 500,000[lower-alpha 2][7][294][295] UK: 2.125 million[9] FRA: 500,000[10][11] CAN: 360,000[14]	90 million[296]
Johnny Cash	United States	1954-2003[297]	1956[297]	Country/ Rock and roll/ Gospel[297]	Total available certified units: 30.4 million  US: 25.7 million[6] GER: 400,000[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 3.4 million[lower-alpha 2][9] AUS: 492,500[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 490,000[lower-alpha 2][14]	90 million[298]
B'z	Japan	1988–present[299]	1988[299]	Rock / Pop rock / Hard rock[299]	Total available certified units: 85.4 million  JPN: 85.4 million[lower-alpha 2][7][46][99]	86 million[300]
Beyoncé	United States	1997–present[301]	2002[301][302]	R&B / Pop[301]	Total available certified units: 76.1 million  US: 53.150 million[6] JPN: 1.7 million [7][46] GER: 1.1 million[8] UK: 12.885 million[9] FRA: 560,000[11][77] AUS: 2.905 million[12] CAN: 1.395 million[14] BRA: 390,000[15] ITA: 205,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SPA: 1.010 million[lower-alpha 2][18][303] MEX: 110,000[36][53] BEL: 115,000[22] SWI: 155,000[23] DEN: 169,000[63][55][56][94][304][305] POL: 100,000[26] NZ: 202,500[28][29]	85 million[306]
Shania Twain	Canada	1993–present[307]	1993[307]	Country pop[307]	Total available certified units: 72.8 million  US: 52.1 million[6] JPN: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 1.750 million[8] UK: 6.595 million[9] FRA: 975,000[11][47] AUS: 2.080 million[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 6.8 million[14] BRA: 475,000[15] SWE: 330,000[17] SPA: 100,000[52] MEX: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 115,000[20] BEL: 250,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 310,000[23] ARG: 120,000[27] NZ: 402,500[28][29]	85 million[308]
R.E.M.	United States	1980–2011[309]	1983[309]	Alternative rock[309]	Total available certified units: 42.2 million  US: 21.150 million[6] GER: 4.275 million[8] UK: 8.505 million[9] FRA: 1.450 million[10][11] AUS: 1.030[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 2.650 million[14] BRA: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 175,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 500,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 1.1 million[18][19][35][52] AUT: 350,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 150,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 450,000[lower-alpha 2][23] DEN: 155,000[lower-alpha 2][54][55] IRE: 127,500[lower-alpha 2][95] NZ: 105,000[28]	85 million[310]
Flo Rida	United States	2007–present[311]	2007[311]	Hip-hop, Hip house, EDM[311]	Total available certified units: 67.5 million  US: 47.5 million[6] JPN: 650,000[lower-alpha 2][7][46] GER: 2.8 million[8] UK: 7.360 million[9] FRA: 225,000[11] AUS: 3.535 million[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 2.810 million[14] ITA: 330,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 780,000[17] SPA: 140,000[52] MEX: 330,000[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 180,000[20] SWI: 420,000[23] DEN: 205,000[lower-alpha 2][56] NZ: 247,500[28][29]	80 million[312]
Van Halen	United States	1978–present[313]	1978[313]	Hard rock / Heavy metal[313]	Total available certified units: 64.3 million  US: 57.8 million[6] JPN: 1.3 million[lower-alpha 2][7][121] GER: 1.5 million[8] UK: 740,000[9] FRA: 400,000[10] CAN: 2.450 million[14] BRA: 200,000[lower-alpha 2][15]	80 million[314]
Coldplay	United Kingdom	1996–present[315]	1999[315]	Alternative rock, Pop rock, Pop[315]	Total available certified units: 63.6 million  US: 23.6 million[6] JPN: 750,000[7][46] GER: 3.550 million[8] UK: 19.785 million[9] FRA: 2.595[11] AUS: 3.305 million[12] CAN: 2.345 million[14] BRA: 340,000[15] ITA: 1.785 million[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 390,000[17][51] SPA: 950,000[18] MEX: 1.740 million[36][37][53] AUT: 157,500[20] BEL: 660,000[22] SWI: 445,000[23] POL: 140,000[lower-alpha 2][26] DEN: 333,000[54][56] IRE: 210,000[lower-alpha 2][95] ARG: 280,000[27] NZ: 307,500[28]	80 million[316]
Red Hot Chili Peppers	United States	1983–present[317]	1987[317]	Funk rock / Alternative rock[317]	Total available certified units: 56 million  US: 32.250 million[6] JPN: 2.6 million[lower-alpha 2][7][46] GER: 2.650 million[8] UK: 8.495 million[9] FRA: 1.420 million[11] AUS: 2.590 million[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 2.020 million[14] BRA: 515,000[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 310,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 390,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 640,000[18][35][52] MEX: 150,000[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 247,500[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 170,000[lower-alpha 2][22] SWI: 405,000[lower-alpha 2][23] DEN: 156,000[lower-alpha 2][63][54][55][318] POL: 235,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 390,000[27] FIN: 171,951[41] NZ: 285,000[28][29]	80 million[319]
Foreigner	United States United Kingdom	1976–present[320]	1977[320]	Rock / Hard Rock[320]	Total available certified units: 49.1 million  US: 45 million[6] GER: 1.5 million[8] UK: 1.300 million[9] FRA: 400,000[10][11] AUS: 105,000[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 700,000[14] SWI: 125,000[lower-alpha 2][23]	80 million[321]
The Doors	United States	1965–1973[322]	1967[322]	Psychedelic rock[322]	Total available certified units: 46.9 million  US: 36.6 million[6] GER: 1.750 million[lower-alpha 2][8] UK: 2.040 million[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 1.9 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11] AUS: 1.022 million[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 2.780 million[lower-alpha 2][14] BRA: 100,000[15] ITA: 130,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SPA: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][34][52] AUT: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][20] SWI: 125,000[lower-alpha 2][23] ARG: 150,000[27]	80 million[323]
George Michael	United Kingdom	1981–present[324]	1984[324]	Pop[324]	Total available certified units: 44.4 million  US: 19.8 million[6] JPN: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 2.4 million[8] UK: 12.350 million[9] FRA: 3.217 million[10][11][47] AUS: 1.840 million[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 1.770 million[14] BRA: 350,000[lower-alpha 2][15] SWE: 310,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 850,000[18][19][34][35][52] AUT: 140,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 215,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 335,000[lower-alpha 2][23] POL: 340,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 110,000[lower-alpha 2][27] NZ: 132,500[28][29]	80 million[325]
Reba McEntire	United States	1975–present[326]	1987[326]	Country / Country Pop[326]	Total available certified units: 42.7 million  US: 41.9 million[6] CAN: 850,000[14]	80 million[327]
Meat Loaf	United States	1968–present[328]	1977[328]	Rock / Hard rock[328]	Total available certified units: 41.7 million  US: 23.6 million[6] GER: 2.350 million[8] UK: 9.665 million[9] AUS: 2.382 million[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 3.260 million[14] SWE: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][17] AUT: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][20] SWI: 115,000[lower-alpha 2][23] DEN: 180,000[lower-alpha 2][63][329]	80 million[330]
Barry Manilow	United States	1973–present[331]	1973[331]	Pop / Soft rock[331]	Total available certified units: 36.5 million  US: 33.3 million[6] UK: 2.825 million[9] CAN: 400,000[lower-alpha 2][14]	80 million[332]
Tom Petty	United States	1976–present[333]	1977[333]	Rock[333]	Total available certified units: 34.6 million  US: 31.250 million[6] GER: 500,000[8] UK: 960,000[9] CAN: 1.7 million[14] SWE: 200,000[lower-alpha 2][17]	80 million[334]
Johnny Hallyday	France	1957–present[335]	1960[335]	Rock / Pop[335]	Total available certified units: 24.6 million  FRA: 23.985 million[lower-alpha 2][10][11][47][77][336] BEL: 430,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 268,000[lower-alpha 2][23]	80 million[337]

• The column for certified sales above includes markets, the databases of which contain certifications representing figures of 100,000 and more.

75 million to 79 million records

• 

  Journey

• 

  The Black Eyed Peas

• 

  Kenny G

• 

  Usher

• 

  Enya

• 

  Robbie Williams

• 

  Alabama

• To ensure the highest level of fact checking and editorial control, this list sources sales figures to news organizations and highly regarded music industry related organizations such as MTV, VH1, Billboard and Rolling Stone.
• The figures of total certified units within the table below are based on certified units of albums, singles (including digital downloads) and videos.
• Markets' order within the table is based on Retail Value each market generates respectively, the largest market at the top and the smallest at the bottom.^[3][4]

Artist	Country / Market	Period active	Release-year of first charted record	Genre	Total certified units (from available markets)[lower-alpha 2]	Claimed sales
The Black Eyed Peas	United States	1995–present[338]	1998[338]	Hip-hop / R&B / Dance[338]	Total available certified units: 54.3 million  US: 29.4 million[6] JPN: 1.250 million[7][46] GER: 2.250 million[8] UK: 9.6 million[9] FRA: 2.650 million[11] AUS: 3.270 million[12] CAN: 2.7 million[14] BRA: 255,000[15] ITA: 340,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 300,000[17][51] SPA: 460,000[lower-alpha 2][18] MEX: 390,000[lower-alpha 2][36] BEL: 460,000[22] SWI: 460,000[23] DEN: 131,000[lower-alpha 2][63][56][94][339][339][340] IRE: 135,000[lower-alpha 2][95] NZ: 340,000[28][29]	76 million[341]
Journey	United States	1973–present[342]	1975[342]	Rock / Soft rock[342]	Total available certified units: 62 million  US: 59.7 million[6] JPN: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][7][343] UK: 1.360 million[9] CAN: 725,000[14]	75 million[344]
Kenny G	United States	1982–present[345]	1984[345]	Smooth jazz[345]	Total available certified units: 51.9 million  US: 48.1 million[6] JPN: 700,000[lower-alpha 2][7] UK: 360,000[9] CAN: 950,000[14] BRA: 1.350 million[lower-alpha 2][15] SPA: 450,000[19][35]	75 million[346]
Usher	United States	1991–present[347]	1994[347]	R&B / Pop[347]	Total available certified units: 50.2 million  US: 37.435 million[6] JPN: 750,000 [7][46] GER: 850,000[8] UK: 7.325 million[9] FRA: 210,000[11] AUS: 2.087 million[12] CAN: 1.190 million[14] SWE: 105,000[17][51] SWI: 170,000[23] NZ: 150,000[28]	75 million[348]
Enya	Ireland	1982–present[349]	1987[349]	New-age / Celtic[349]	Total available certified units: 50 million  US: 26.5 million[6] JPN: 4.6 million[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 4.2 million[8] UK: 5.250 million[9] FRA: 775,000[10][11] AUS: 1.505[lower-alpha 2][12][13] CAN: 1.540 million[14] BRA: 1.650 million[lower-alpha 2][15] SWE: 390,000[17] SPA: 1.760 million[18][35] MEX: 125,000[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 185,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 460,000[lower-alpha 2][22] SWI: 370,000[lower-alpha 2][23] DEN: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][24][350][351][352] POL: 120,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 390,000[27] NZ: 135,000[28]	75 million[353]
Robbie Williams	United Kingdom	1990–present[354]	1996[354]	Pop rock[354]	Total available certified units: 48.7 million  US: 500,000[6] GER: 9.375 million[8] UK: 25.950 million[9] FRA: 2.695 million[11][47] AUS: 2.870 million[12] CAN: 250,000[14] ITA: 285,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 445,000[17][51] SPA: 440,000[lower-alpha 2][18][52] MEX: 1.595 million[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 910,000[20] BEL: 600,000[21][22] SWI: 973,000[23] DEN: 631,500[lower-alpha 2][63][54][55][56][71] POL: 140,000[26] ARG: 270,000[27] FIN: 235,743[41] IRE: 135,000[lower-alpha 2][95] NZ: 445,000[28]	75 million[355]
Alabama	United States	1972–present[356]	1980[356]	Country / Pop rock[356]	Total available certified units: 48 million  US: 46.8 million[6] CAN: 1.2 million[14]	75 million[357]
Nirvana	United States	1987–1994[358]	1989[358]	Grunge / Alternative rock[358]	Total available certified units: 44.9 million  US: 26.5 million[6] JPN: 1.3 million[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 1.250 million[8] UK: 5.070 million[9] FRA: 2.5 million[10][11] AUS: 1.257[lower-alpha 2][12][189][359] CAN: 2.970 million[14] BRA: 725,000[lower-alpha 2][15] ITA: 325,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 380,000[17] SPA: 450,000[18][19][35] MEX: 475,000[lower-alpha 2][36] AUT: 230,000[lower-alpha 2][20] BEL: 350,000[lower-alpha 2][21][22] SWI: 190,000[23] POL: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][26] ARG: 490,000[27] NZ: 215,000[28][29]	75 million[360]
The Police	United Kingdom	1977–1986 2007–2008[361]	1978[361]	Pop / Rock[361]	Total available certified units: 38.7 million  US: 23.150 million[6] JPN: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 1.775 million[8] UK: 8.160 million[9] FRA: 3.340 million[10][11][47] AUS: 407,500[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 875,000[14] BRA: 140,000[lower-alpha 2][15] SPA: 300,000[lower-alpha 2][19][34] MEX: 100,000[lower-alpha 2][36] BEL: 115,000[lower-alpha 2][362][363][364] ARG: 252,000[lower-alpha 2][27]	75 million[365]
Bob Marley	Jamaica	1962–1981[366]	1975[366]	Reggae[366]	Total available certified units: 38.3 million  US: 21.850 million[6] JPN: 200,000[lower-alpha 2][7] GER: 1.750 million[8] UK: 6.975 million[9] FRA: 4.735 million[11] AUS: 350,000[367][368] CAN: 600,000[14] ITA: 175,000[lower-alpha 2][16] SWE: 120,000[lower-alpha 2][17] SPA: 450,000[lower-alpha 2][19][34][35][52] AUT: 125,000[lower-alpha 2][20] SWI: 303,000[lower-alpha 2][23] ARG: 240,000[lower-alpha 2][27] NZ: 427,500[lower-alpha 2][28][29]	75 million[369]
Kiss	United States	1972–present[370]	1974[370]	Hard rock / Heavy metal[370]	Total available certified units: 27.8 million  US: 26 million[6] UK: 100,000[9] AUS: 130,000[lower-alpha 2][12] CAN: 1.495 million[lower-alpha 2][14] ARG: 112,000[lower-alpha 2][27]	75 million[371]
Aretha Franklin	United States	1956–present[372]	1961[372]	Soul / Jazz / Blues / R&B[372]	Total available certified units: 24.7 million  US: 23.5 million[6] UK: 840,000[lower-alpha 2][9] FRA: 275,000[lower-alpha 2][10][11] CAN: 150,000[lower-alpha 2][14]	75 million[373]

• The column for certified sales above includes markets, the databases of which contain certifications representing figures of 100,000 and more.

See also

• List of best-selling albums
• List of best-selling singles
• List of best-selling girl groups

Notes

1. To be on this list, artists who began charting:
   • before 1975 are required to have their available claimed figures supported by 20% in certified units.
   • between 1975–1990 are required to have their available claimed figures supported by 20-64% in certified units. (That is 2.9% for each additional year after 1975)
   • between 1990–2000 are required to have their available claimed figures supported by 64-70% in certified units. (That is 0.6% for each additional year after 1990)
   • between 2000–present are required to have their available claimed figures supported by 70-80% in certified units. (That is 0.66% for each additional year after 2000)
2. Certification systems have been established periodically throughout the past half century; thus, certification databases are not able to cover all sales. Some (or all) records released and sold prior to a certification system's establishment year may not be found within the available searchable certification databases. Year of establishment (from largest market to smallest based on Retail Value each market generates respectively):^[3][4]
   • United States: 1958^[374]
   • Japan:1989:^[375]
   • Germany: 1975^[8]
   • United Kingdom: 1973^[9]
   • France: 1973^[376]
   • Australia: 1997^[12] (online certification-database has begun since 1997. Certifications; however, existed in Australia since the 1970s)
   • Canada: 1975^[377]
   • Brazil: 1990^[378]
   • Italy: 2009^[16] (online certification-database covers certifications issued since 2009. Certifications; however, have existed in Italy since the 1990s)
   • Netherlands: 1978^[379]
   • Sweden: 1987^[17]
   • Spain: 1979^[34]
   • Mexico: 1999^[380]
   • Austria: 1990^[20]
   • Belgium: 1997^[381]
   • Switzerland: 1989^[382]
   • Denmark: 2001^[54] (online certifications for Denmark start from 2001. Certifications; however, existed in Denmark since the early 1990s^[383])
   • Poland: 1995^[26]
   • Argentina: 1980^[384]
   • Finland: 1971^[385]
   • Ireland: 2005^[95]
   • New Zealand: July 1978^[28]
   Certified sales might sometimes be larger than actual sales, if stores order more albums than they are able to sell, due to certifications generally being determined by shipments and not actual sales. Often, however, actual sales are larger than certified sales, since record labels must pay a fee to obtain certifications. Record companies often apply for certifications only when a record reaches a multiple certification-levels, meaning certifications might not be visible in the databases for more than a short period of time after an album reached a certification level.^[386][387] As global music sales declined in the 2000s mostly due to CD burning and downloading from unauthorized sites, certification bodies opted to reduce their certification levels.^[388] See the changes in Certification-award-levels in the following markets:
   • United States^[389] (Note, U.S. certification-award-levels for singles before 1989 were: 1,000,000 for Gold and 2,000,000 for Platinum.^[390] Also, U.S. certification-awards for Shortform albums before September 1996 were: 250,000 for Gold and 500,000 for Platinum^[391])
   • Japan^[392][393]
   • Germany^[394]
   • United Kingdom^[395]
   • France^{[11][376][396][397]}
   • Canada^[398] (Canadian certification-award-levels for singles before February 1982 were: 75,000 for Gold and 150,000 for Platinum^[399])
   • Brazil^[400][401]
   • Italy^{[16][402][403]}
   • Netherlands^[404]
   • Sweden^[405]
   • Spain^[406][407]
   • Mexico^[408][409]
   • Austria:^{[410][411][412][412]}
   • Belgium^[410][413]
   • Switzerland^[382]
   • Denmark^{[383][414][415][416]}
   • Poland^[417][418]
   • Argentina^[384]
   • Finland^[385]
   • New Zealand: (NZ certification levels before June 2007 were: 5,000 for Gold, 10,000 for Platinum)^[419] (The levels for singles were adjusted again on June 17, 2016 from previous 7,500 for Gold, 15,000 for Platinum, to 15,000 for Gold, 30,000 for Platinum)^[420]

References

1. NEWSLINE: A Former Music Executive. Billboard. Nielsen Business Media. February 14, 2004. Retrieved April 5, 2010.
2. Troubles in Store. Spin Magazine. Spin Media L.L.C. February 14, 2004. Retrieved April 5, 2010.
3. "RIAJ Yearbook 2015: 28. Global Sales of Recorded Music, IFPI 2013, 2014 (Page 24)" (PDF). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
4. "Bundesverband Musikindustrie: Internationales: Deutschland weiterhin weltweit drittgrößter Markt". Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
5. Unterberger, Richie. "Allmusic: The Beatles (Biography)". AllMusic. Retrieved August 24, 2013.
6. "RIAA: Searchable Database". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved September 23, 2011.
7. "RIAJ: Gold Disc Certifications" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved November 8, 2015.
8. "BVMI: Gold-/Platin-Datenbank". Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved September 27, 2016.
9. "Certified Awards Search". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 13, 2013.
10. "InfoDisc: Les Certifications depuis 1973" [InfoDisc: Certifications from 1973]. Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (in French). InfoDisc.fr. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
11. "SNEP: Les Certifications". Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (in French). SNEP. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
12. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved September 15, 2009.
13. "Australia's Music Charts 1988-2010" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Moonlight Publishing. Retrieved January 12, 2016.
14. "Music Canada: Gold & Platinum searchable database". Music Canada. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
15. "ABPD: Certificados" (in Portuguese). Associação Brasileira dos Produtores de Discos. Retrieved July 9, 2015.
16. "F.I.M.I: Federazione Industria Musicale Itaiana" (in Italian). Federation of the Italian Music Industry. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
17. "Guld & Platina IFPI" [Gold & Platinum IFPI] (in Swedish). International Federation of the Phonographic Industry – Sweden. Archived from the original on May 17, 2011. Retrieved August 31, 2013.
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