Based on the RIAA consumption model, Rihanna’s “Work (featuring Drake)” was the USA’s hottest song during the first six months of 2016.
The label is based on data from BuzzAngle Music‘s mid-year report, which reveals that “Work” generated 1.64 million paid US downloads and 512.59 million on-demand US streams (245.63 million audio + 266.96 million video) during the period between January 1 and June 30, 2016.
For the purpose of digital single consumption, the RIAA equates one “unit” to 1 paid download or 150 on-demand audio or video streams. “Work” thus generated 5.06 million consumption units during the first half of 2016.
That count convincingly puts “Work” atop the chart. Desiigner’s “Panda,” which was the second-most consumed song of H1 2016, generated 3.94 million consumption units.
With 3.74 million, Lukas Graham’s “7 Years” is #3.
It is worth noting that the decision to include video — and thus follow the RIAA model — was Headline Planet’s editorial decision. BuzzAngle’s own “song project” chart only accounts for sales and audio streams.
Under Buzz Angle’s methodology, Drake’s “One Dance (featuring WizKid & Kyla),” which has fared gloriously from a sales and audio streaming standpoint but does not have an official video, ranks as the hottest song of the year’s first six months. “Work” is #2, while “7 Years” and “Panda” are #3 and #7, respectively.
— Rihanna’s “Work” is also the H1 leader in video and total streams. With 281.87 million credited audio streams, Drake’s “One Dance” is the leader in audio streams.
With 1.95 million paid downloads, Flo Rida’s “My House” ranks atop the H1 digital single sales chart.