BTS' sales units fell 'a bit' short of millions this year compared to last year. In 2021, they've topped the 'Global Recording Artists' with presumably 17M - 18M units. And this year, they were estimated to finish with 13M - 14M units.
I expected the 'decline' in physical sales as they've released 2 albums (BUTTER single album, BTS: THE BEST in Japan) & another version of BE last year— compared to this year. So far, they've only released 1 anthology album.
Their streams have also subside quite a bit. From last year of 8.6B streams to 8B streams (estimated) this year. But the 'decline' in streams is most likely due to the lack of hit songs. Last year, they have two singles to push their streams on top of their recent release of BE. Which Proof didn't have, so their streams 'suffered' a bit.
If BTS' discography isn't so impressive and getting significant streams/sales, then their units probably would've 'suffered' even more. Basically, their streams are being hard-carried by their back catalog this year.
All of this resulted them breaking their 2 years streak of topping the IFPI list. Their 'competitor' will took the crown this time. Worse case scenario is if IFPI didn't weighed down Bad Bunny's streams and they end up at #3 on the list.
GLOBAL RECORDING ARTISTS (2022)
1. Taylor Swift - 16M units
2. BTS - 13M units
3. Bad Bunny
Will BTS re-claim its crown in their next group comeback (post-military)?
Stay tuned.
