How Achievements Work in Velveteen
Updated June 13, 2026
Each achievement has numbered tiers, and each tier has a threshold you have to reach. Achievements are tracked per artist. On a schedule, Velveteen recalculates each artist's current values and awards any new tiers you have passed, so you never claim them manually.
This page explains the mechanics behind the badges: how tiers and thresholds work, how each value is measured, and when a new badge shows up. The numbers and rules here come from how Velveteen actually computes achievements.
Tiers and thresholds
A badge is a single achievement, such as Streaming or Sales. Inside it are tiers, numbered upward, and each tier has a threshold. When your value reaches a tier's threshold, you earn that tier.
Most badges have several tiers, so a single achievement can be earned again and again at higher levels. First EP and First Album are the exception: each is a one-time badge with a single tier.
Tip
Tier colors
Bronze
Tier 1, the first level of a badge.
Silver
Tier 2.
Gold
Tier 3.
Purple
Tier 4.
Diamond
Tier 5 and above, used for the highest streaming levels.
How each value is measured
Streams
Total reported streams across platforms for the artist's catalog.
Releases
Releases that have reached the Approved or Delivered state. Drafts and in-review releases do not count yet.
Sales
Direct-to-fan purchases of the artist's music.
First EP and First Album
Based on the track count of an Approved or Delivered release: 4 to 6 tracks for an EP, 10 or more for an album.
Social Presence
The number of social links saved on the artist profile, across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X, and Facebook.
When a new badge appears
- 1
Velveteen runs the check
On a regular schedule, Velveteen recalculates every artist's current values and compares them to the thresholds. - 2
New tiers are added
Any tier you have passed but not yet earned is awarded to the artist at that moment. - 3
You get a notification
An Achievement Unlocked notification names the badge and tier and links to the Achievements page.
Frequently asked questions
How soon do I see a badge after hitting a number?+
Achievements are awarded on a schedule rather than the instant a number changes, so there can be a short delay between passing a threshold and the badge appearing.
Why has my release not counted yet?+
Releases only count toward the Releases, First EP, and First Album badges once they reach the Approved or Delivered state. A draft or in-review release does not move those badges.
Does a streaming dip remove a tier?+
No. Tiers are earned once and stay earned. The progress bar can still move, but an earned badge does not get taken away.
What does Completed mean on a card?+
It means the artist has reached the highest tier for that badge, so there is no further threshold to chase.
Related articles
Overview
Tiered milestone badges earned per artist for streams, releases, sales, EPs, albums, and social links. Awarded automatically, with the Streaming badge shareable.
Achievement types
The six badges Velveteen tracks: Streaming, Releases, Sales, First EP, First Album, and Social Presence, with the threshold for every tier.
Sharing achievements
The Streaming badge can be shared as a card image. An artist visibility toggle controls whether badges show, and you get a notification when one is earned.