Nielsen SoundScan is a data tracking system that monitors music sales in the United States and Canada. It collects point-of-sale data from various retailers, including physical stores and digital platforms, to provide accurate sales figures for albums and singles. This information is crucial for understanding market trends and consumer preferences in the music industry. Established in 1991, Nielsen SoundScan has become the industry standard for measuring music sales. Its data is used to compile the Billboard charts, which rank the most popular songs and albums based on sales performance. This helps artists, record labels, and marketers make informed decisions.