Current Best Selling Album in History
The best selling album in history by certified sales is Michael Jackson's Thriller, with over 70 million copies sold worldwide according to the latest industry estimates and Guinness World Records data Forbes.
Thriller was released by Epic Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music, and its sales have been tracked through multiple certification bodies, including the RIAA and IFPI, making it the top-ranked album in global sales rankings.
Sales Figures, Certifications, and Label Details
Certified Sales and Industry Recognition
Thriller has received multi-platinum certifications in dozens of countries, with the RIAA certifying it at 34 million units in the United States alone, while global estimates consistently place it above 70 million copies RIAA.
The album's longevity is driven by continued catalog sales, streaming-equivalent conversions, and reissues, with Sony Music reporting that Thriller remains one of the highest-revenue albums in its history.
Comparison With Other Top-Selling Albums
Other albums frequently cited in best-selling lists include Eagles' Their Greatest Hits, Whitney Houston's soundtrack, and Back in Black by AC/DC, but none have matched Thriller's certified global unit totals.
Key Ranking Sources
Guinness World Records, IFPI, and major music trade publications consistently rank Thriller as the best selling album in history based on audited sales data and label reports.
Why Thriller Still Leads Global Album Sales
Factors Behind the Record
Thriller benefited from unprecedented MTV rotation, blockbuster marketing by Epic Records, and a string of chart-topping singles, which drove physical sales to historic levels in the 1980s.
Its continued relevance is reinforced by digital availability, sync licensing, and periodic anniversary editions, keeping the album in global charts and retail catalogs decades after its release SESAC.
Ongoing Revenue and Catalog Value
Sony Music's catalog division continues to monetize Thriller through streaming, physical reissues, and brand partnerships, contributing to its status as the best selling album in history by cumulative units.
Sources and Data References
Figures are drawn from public certification databases, industry reports, and statements from rights societies, including data accessible via the RIAA website RIAA.