This is the list of the highest-certified music artists in the United States based on certifications 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 Therefore, the total certified units for a given artist may be incomplete or out of date.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 have the highest total certified albums and Drake has the highest total certified digital singles. Eminem, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, and Taylor Swift 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 Website Detailed List of Artists with Most Album Certification Units Search RIAA Gold and Platinum Database American music-related lists Recording Industry Association of America American music industry Music recording certifications