For a U.S. RIAA general-program Platinum award, the stream-only equivalent is 150 million eligible streams for a single or 1.5 billion eligible album streams. The difference comes from the RIAA’s conversion rate: 150 streams count as one single unit, while 1,500 album streams count as one album unit. Sales can contribute too, so these are not required totals when qualifying sales are included.
Platinum stream totals at a glance
| RIAA program and format | Platinum threshold | Stream conversion | Stream-only equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| General program, single | 1,000,000 units | 150 eligible streams per unit | 150,000,000 streams |
| General program, album | 1,000,000 units | 1,500 eligible album streams per unit | 1,500,000,000 album streams |
| Latin program, single | 60,000 units | 150 eligible streams per unit | 9,000,000 streams |
| Latin program, album | 60,000 units | 1,500 eligible album streams per unit | 90,000,000 album streams |
The thresholds and conversion rates are set out in the RIAA and GR&F 2023 audit requirements for singles and albums. The stream totals above are arithmetic equivalents, not separate RIAA thresholds.
Why single and album totals differ
RIAA treats Album and Single as separate award formats, with different stream conversions. For a general-program single, one million certification units multiplied by 150 streams per unit equals 150 million streams. For an album, one million units multiplied by 1,500 album streams per unit equals 1.5 billion streams.
The album formula reflects the relationship among album streams, track sales, and album sales. In its 2016 announcement, the RIAA stated: “1,500 on-demand audio and/or video song streams = 10 track sales = 1 album sale.” The same announcement gives the single conversion as 150 streams equaling one download. RIAA’s 2016 Gold & Platinum announcement explains the change.
#1 Best Overall
- COMPLETE VOCAL SETUP: shock mount, pop filter and XLR cable included, add an interface and record
- THE SOUND OF HIT RECORDS: the legendary NT1 large-diaphragm condenser voicing trusted in studios for two decades
- WHISPER-QUIET: among the lowest self-noise microphones ever made, nothing between you and the take
- BUILT FOR VOCALS AND STREAMS: tight cardioid pattern focuses on the voice, rejects the room
- IN THE BOX: NT1 Signature (Black), SM6 shock mount with pop filter, XLR cable and dust cover
Sales can count toward the same certification
The figures above assume the award is earned entirely through eligible streams. RIAA certification units can also include qualifying sales, so a single or album can reach Platinum through a combination rather than hitting the full stream-only equivalent.
- Single: Each permanent digital download contributes one unit; 150 eligible streams contribute one unit.
- Album: Each permanent physical or digital album sale contributes one unit; 10 permanent track downloads from the album contribute one unit; 1,500 eligible album streams contribute one unit.
For general-program awards, RIAA lists Gold at 500,000 units and Diamond at 10,000,000 units for both singles and albums. Those are unit thresholds; the stream-only equivalent depends on whether the certification is for a single or an album.
Rank #2
- [USB Output] Enables simple setup. USB studio recording microphone kit provides a direct convenient plug-and-play connection to pc and laptop without any additional hardware or drivers for recording vocals, podcasts and Skype. Studio microphone for recording vocals is never been easier to get high-quality sound for your voice and computer-based audio recordings. (Incompatible with Xbox)
- [Excellent Sound Quality] With rugged construction for durable performance, the vocal recording microphone, USB condenser mic for PC,offers a wide frequency response and handles high SPLs with ease. Ideal for project/home-studio applications. The cardioid condenser capsule captures crystal-clear audio from the front and avoid ambient noise when communicating/creating/recording. Comes ready to go with a desktop mic boom arm stand and 8.2ft USB cable, you're guaranteed to get great-sounding results.
- [Durable Arm Set] The podcast microphone bundle with versatile and sturdy broadcast suspension boom scissor arm with 180° up and down rotation, 135° forward and backward extension for optimal adjustment, for capturing your voice in podcast or voiceover. The double pop filter attached on the music recording microphone provides two layers of dissipation, removes the rush of air, minimize the popping sounds or cancel noise that can compromise your recording, great for studio as well as home use.
- [Easy to Attach] The streaming microphone for PC includes adjustable boom studio scissor arm stand that features a heavy-duty combo mount consisting of a sturdy C-clamp and a detachable desktop mount. With 13" fixed horizontal arm and offers a 30" reach, the low-profile, table-hugging design of audio recording microphone allows on-air talent to perform without facial obstruction to record in podcasting or make dubbing sounds for videos, use voice chat in Discord or online conference on Zoom or Skype.
- [The Accessory Package Includes] The studio microphone music recording comes with practical accessories for you to use in most of recording. The scissor arm stand is made out of all steel construction, sturdy and durable, a studio-grade shock mount, a double pop filter, premium 8.2' USB-B to USB-A/C cable, a podcast PC gaming microphone, a user manual and friendly Technical Support.
Which streams qualify for RIAA certification?
Singles
For a single award, the RIAA audit rules count on-demand audio and video streams reported to record labels by legitimate digital service providers, whether the service is paid-subscription or ad-supported. Eligible activity is distributed within the United States, and counting begins on the track’s release date. Only official label or company videos count; user-generated videos do not. The audit rules also allow certain versions to be combined, including radio mix and album version, edited and explicit versions, and remixes no more than 90 seconds longer than the original. Live versions may not be combined with other versions. See the RIAA single audit requirements for the full rules.
Albums
Album-stream conversions apply to streams from the album. Track downloads and streams must meet Digital Single Award requirements and correspond to tracks listed on a digital version of that album; the audit rules also specify documentation for the tracks and release. Album certifications include domestic sales and U.S. military post exchange sales, but exclude export sales. The RIAA album audit requirements describe the applicable documentation and eligibility rules.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Rank #3
- Custom three-capsule array: This professional USB mic produces clear, powerful, broadcast-quality sound for YouTube videos, Twitch game streaming, podcasting, Zoom meetings, music recording and more
- Blue VO!CE software: Elevate your streamings and recordings with clear broadcast vocal sound and entertain your audience with enhanced effects, advanced modulation and HD audio samples
- Four pickup patterns: Flexible cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo pickup patterns allow you to record in ways that would normally require multiple mics, for vocals, instruments and podcasts
- Onboard audio controls: Headphone volume, pattern selection, instant mute, and mic gain put you in charge of every level of the audio recording and streaming process
- Positionable design: Pivot the mic in relation to the sound source to optimize your sound quality thanks to the adjustable desktop stand and track your voice in real time with no-latency monitoring
A public play count is not the same as certification
A service’s public counter does not by itself establish an RIAA award. The activity must qualify under the relevant format’s rules, and a record company must submit the title for the program’s formal audit and certification. The program is open to member and non-member music companies, according to the audit requirements. The RIAA database lists Album and Single as separate formats, so the relevant category matters when checking an award.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Ready to use Recording Studio Microphone】This studio condenser microphone features a USB output, providing a direct and convenient plug-and-play connection to your PC, smartphone, or laptop. Perfect for podcasting, vocal recording and music production, the DJM5 condenser microphone delivers high-quality sound without the need for additional hardware.
- 【Exceptional Sound Quality 】This condenser microphone uses cardioid polar pattern, 16mm diaphragm, 192kHz/24Bit sampling rate and 30Hz‑16kHz frequency response. It delivers clean sound for podcasting, vocal recording and streaming.
- 【Multifunctional Condenser Mic】This versatile condenser microphone supports 5V voltage and includes features like echo control, volume adjustment (+/-), a 3.5mm monitor headphone jack, and a mute button. Ideal for podcasting, home studio setups, and live broadcasting, the DJM5 is an all-in-one solution for high-quality audio
- 【Foldable Isolation Shield】The microphone isolation shield is made of 5 high-density sound-absorbing panels with a triple acoustic design. Each panel is foldable and adjustable, ensuring optimal noise reduction for podcasting, recording vocals, and music production. The compact design of the DJM5 makes it easy to carry and set up anywhere. This product comes with isolation shields in black, rose gold, and white, allowing you to choose the color that best matches your style
- 【Compact and Lightweight Design】 The DJM5 kit includes a soundproof shield measuring 27.55in x 10.23in, a microphone measuring 6.3in x 1.96in, a tripod stand measuring 8.66in x 7.1in, and a 6in diameter shockproof filter. The entire kit weighs only 4.1lbs (1.86kg), making it easy to carry and set up
Rank #4
- PLUG AND PLAY STUDIO MICROPHONE: This music mic does not require additional drivers, plug and play, and it’s suitable for smartphones, PC, and laptops. The recording mic adpots a cardioid pickup pattern, which can capture the front of the condenser microphone clearly, smooth sound with great sound performance.
- PORTABLE AND FOLDABLE MICROPHONE SHIELD: This 3-panel isolation shield is composed of a reflective layer, filter layer, absorbing layer, and high-quality screws, which are durable. The inner layer is composed of high-density absorbent foam, which can absorb environmental noise and reduce sound reflection when recording sound, providing excellent studio microphone music recording effects. The compact and foldable panel design can be adjusted to suit the angle you want, making it easy to carry.
- DOUBLE-LAYER MIC POP FILTER: The adjustable pop filter can adjust the distance and angle from the music recording microphone to achieve multi-layer noise reduction and record clearer sound. The height-adjustable metal tripod can place the microphone for music recording at a suitable height in front of you, allowing you to record in a comfortable posture.
- COMPATIBILITY AND VERSATILITY: The studio recording equipment can be used on a desk using the metal tripod included with the studio set, or it can be mounted on a microphone stand (not included) for use. Ideal recording microphones & accessories for singing, vocal recording, live streaming, and podcast.
- MUSIC STUDIO EQUIPMENT PACKAGE LIST: This studio music recording equipment kit includes 3-panel microphone studio shield*1, microphone for recording music*1, USB microphone cable*1, Type-C adapter*1, metal tripod stand*1, mic clip*1, microphone filter*1, instruction manual*1. If you encounter any problems before purchasing or during the use of this music equipment, you can contact us at any time, we will serve you wholeheartedly.
How to interpret a Platinum number
- If the question is about a single in the general RIAA program, use 150 million as the stream-only equivalent.
- If it is about an album in the general program, use 1.5 billion album streams as the stream-only equivalent.
- For the RIAA Latin program, the Platino threshold is 60,000 units, corresponding to 9 million single streams or 90 million album streams if streams alone supply the units.
- In every case, these figures describe qualifying U.S. activity under RIAA rules, not a universal threshold for every country or certification body.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
