The Grammys have banned the sharing of streaming stats, other milestones

The Recording Academy has banned the use of streaming stats, chart positions, and all other hard-earned milestones from ‘For Your Consideration’ Grammy campaigns.

The new revised rules and guidelines for the 64th annual Grammy Awards state:

“FYC communications cannot include chart numbers, number of streams, sales figures, or RIAA awards.”

The goal of the new Grammy rules is to focus on the music rather than a level of success. But the move complicates efforts by labels and publicists to educate the Academy’s diverse voting membership on the impact of a particular artist or track.

According to Page 22 and 23 of the rules:

“FYC marketing communications include, but are not limited to, emails, mailings, invitations, social media, websites, and print ads. Such communications are prohibited unless they include an opt-out option.”

“Members or their designated publicists are restricted to promoting only their own recordings. There shall be no lobbying on behalf of other members.”

FYC communications can include:
• Artwork related to product under consideration
• Brief, unembellished descriptions of the recording or creators
• Copies or links to product
• Links to websites that promote eligible recordings
• Link to Recording Academy website where voting and solicitation guidelines are posted
• Lists of the creators who worked on the recording
• Reference to nominations, once nominations are announced. List category(s) by full name
• Reference to the Grammy Award with proper registered marks. Reference can be made by name only. Use of logo is prohibited.

FYC communications cannot:
• Cast a negative or derogatory light on a competing recording. Any tactic that singles out the ‘competition’ by name or title is not allowed
• Exaggerate or overstate the merits of the music, an achievement or an individual
• Feature nominees on invite as host, moderator or special guest
• Include any Recording Academy trademarks, logos or any other protected information. Logo use is reserved for paid Recording Academy sponsors or partners
• Include entry list numbers or category numbers
• Include chart numbers, number of streams, sales figures, or RIAA awards
• Include personal signatures, personal regards or personal pleas to listen to the eligible recordings
• Misrepresent honors or awards, past or present, received by either the recording or those involved with production
• Reference the year or the telecast number (i.e., 2021 or 64th Grammy Awards)