The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade organization that represents the U.S. recorded music industry. Its members include major and independent record labels and music distributors that create, manufacture, and distribute sound recordings in the United States.
The RIAA’s primary goals are to:
- Protect intellectual property rights and First Amendment rights of artists and record labels.
- Conduct research and provide data about the music industry’s economic and cultural impact.
- Monitor and influence legislation and policies that affect the music industry.
In addition to advocacy and research, the RIAA is widely recognized for its sales and streaming certification program, which awards artists and releases with Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum, Diamond, and Los Premios De Oro y Platino certifications based on verified sales and streaming milestones.
For more information about criteria for certifications, as well as how to claim a plaque if eligible, please see our Help Center article here: How Do I Get a Gold or Platinum Record Plaque from the RIAA?