Ed Sheeran beats Taylor Swift to be named UK’s most-played artist in 2025

Singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has beaten pop superstar Taylor Swift to be named the UK’s most-played artist in 2025, according to music licensing agency PPL (Phonographic Performance Limited).

The 35-year-old topped the agency’s chart of the most-played artists across radio, TV and public places for the eighth time in 11 years, with Swift in second, followed by British pop star Dua Lipa in third.

Sheeran said: “I am so grateful to be named most-played artist across TV, radio and venues across the UK for an incredible eighth time.

“A huge thanks to everyone who has played my music over the last year, and over the last 15 years. I really appreciate the continuing support.”

According to PPL, Sheeran’s music is played an average of 574 times per day, equating to 24 plays per hour.

The rest of the top ten was made up of Calvin Harris (four), David Guetta (five), Coldplay (six), Sir Elton John (seven), Ariana Grande (eight), Sabrina Carpenter (nine) and Lady Gaga (10).

Myles Smith’s Nice To Meet You was the most-played track on radio, TV and in public places during 2025, followed by Lola Young’s Messy in second, Alex Warren’s Ordinary at three and Sam Fender’s People Watching in fourth.

Smith said: “Having the most-played song in the UK last year with Nice To Meet You and seeing Stargazing still in the top 10 – honestly it still doesn’t feel real.

“I’m so grateful to everyone who has listened, to my fans who have been with me from the beginning and to everyone at radio and in the venues who has supported the music. It means everything.”

The rest of the top 10 tracks were made up of Rose and Bruno Mars’ APT (fifth), Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else by Benson Boone (sixth), Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club (seventh), Sapphire and Azizam (eighth and ninth respectively) both by Sheeran, and Smith’s Stargazing (10th).

PPL is the UK music industry’s collective management organisation which collects royalties for artists and rights holders when their music is broadcast or played in public.