On March 2, 2013, Billboard launched its Streaming Songs Chart. YouTube views became one of three metrics used to calculate the Billboard Hot 100, along with airplay and sales. Therefore, they changed the rules of the U.S. singles chart, which placed many streaming songs higher on the overall charts. These hits of the early 2010s were among the first streaming hits on the Streaming Songs Chart.“thrift shop” by macklemore & ryan lewisThis internet sensation became recognized as the first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Streaming Songs chart. Released in October 2012, “Thrift Shop” hit No. 1 in early 2013, topping the Billboard Hot 100 in the same month following the change in rules. Initially, the song peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100 but was recognized as a No. 1 after the rules changed. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ “Thrift Shop” was a social critique, popularizing thrift store clothes rather than buying expensive name-brand items. The song’s catchiness, its unique concept, and viral music video turned the song into a global smash hit in early 2013.“harlem shake” by baauerThe “Harlem Shake” became an internet trend in February 2013. One person would start out dancing to the song. Suddenly, it would turn into a whole room dancing along with the Baauer track. It was this viral sensation that would be key to the rule changes in Billboard chart determination. In March 2013, Billboard officially changed its rules, placing “Harlem Shake” at No. 1 on the Billboard Streaming Songs chart. “Thrift Shop” was given credit as No. 1 from the previous month, which can be confusing. Basically, “Harlem Shake” was the current streaming No. 1 when the chart launched. If the chart had started at the beginning of the year, it would’ve been “Thrift Shop.” Therefore, “Thrift Shop” is recognized as the first No. 1 on the chart, and “Harlem Shake” is technically the first of 2013.“gangnam style” by psyAnother previous hit that became a No. 1 once the Streaming Chart was created is PSY’s “Gangnam Style”. Released in 2012, the viral dance craze generated 13 million streams by May 2013. Given this, “Gangnam Style” shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Streaming Chart more than a year after its release. Ultimately, the music video became the first to reach 1 billion views. From 2012 to 2017, it held the record for the most-viewed YouTube video.Photo by Roger Kisby/Getty ImagesThe post 3 Hits of the Early 2010s That Were Among the First To Top the Streaming Chart appeared first on VICE.