The ARIA Charts rules are being overhauled to spotlight new releases, with the introduction of On Replay Charts for older classics from September.
The ARIA Charts are getting a major shake-up in a bid to give fresh Australian music more room to shine. From September 1, 2025, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) will roll out a new charting system that limits the Main Charts to music released within the last two years.
Announced today by ARIA, the change follows over 12 months of modelling and discussion aimed at “removing barriers for new Australian music” and better reflecting how people listen to and discover tracks in 2025.
From September, the ARIA Main Charts (Singles and Albums) and the Australian Artist Singles and Albums Charts will focus exclusively on music released within the last two years, while the ARIA On Replay Charts will showcase titles released more than two years ago.
To accommodate the changes, the rollout will take place after the 2025 ARIA Awards eligibility period ends, ensuring this year’s contenders won’t be impacted.
The update will also introduce a path for older tracks to make a comeback on the Main Charts – under very specific conditions. According to ARIA, older titles can re-enter if they haven’t appeared in the Top 100 for at least ten years and “upon label request and sufficient activity for a Top 30 or higher placement.” If eligible, the track can remain on the Main Charts for up to ten weeks.
ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd explained the reasoning behind the move: “These updates ensure the ARIA Charts continue to evolve in step with the listening habits of Australian music fans. We’re creating clear space to spotlight exciting new music while recognising the lasting impact and relevance of timeless classics through our ARIA On Replay Charts. Our aim is to support the discovery and celebration of great Australian music at every stage of its life.”
The changes arrive as a response to growing concerns that older tracks – especially those that benefit from viral moments or long-term streaming success – dominate the charts at the expense of emerging artists. triple j noted that ‘Mr. Brightside’ by The Killers and Vance Joy’s ‘Riptide’ have spent 157 weeks in the Top 50 Singles Chart and 360 weeks in the Australian Top 20 Singles Chart, respectively, for example.
With the introduction of ARIA On Replay Charts, it’s hoped that both heritage acts and new blood will get their due recognition.
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