Gold Record (album)

A Gold Record, when referring to an album, signifies a certification awarded by a recording industry association (such as the Recording Industry Association of America - RIAA) based on a specific number of units sold or certified. The specific criteria for achieving Gold status vary depending on the country and the time period. Generally, it indicates a significant level of commercial success for the album.

In the United States, the RIAA awards Gold certification to albums that have sold or shipped 500,000 copies. The criteria may also consider equivalent album units, which include on-demand audio and/or video streams, and digital track sales, converted into album equivalents.

The Gold certification is one level above Silver (in some countries that award it) and one level below Platinum. The threshold for Gold certification has changed over time, reflecting shifts in the music industry and sales formats. The accomplishment of achieving a Gold record is a noteworthy achievement for artists and record labels.