Image Credentials: Image Title: Ed Sheeran Named UK’s Most Played Artist of 2025 for Record Eighth Time. Source: (chatgpt.com) Date: May 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (chatgpt.com) by Open Chronicle and does not depict a real-world scene.
. Source: (chatgpt.com) Date: May 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (chatgpt.com) by Open Chronicle and does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle with agencies
British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has once again been crowned the United Kingdom’s most played artist, surpassing Taylor Swift and securing the top spot for the eighth time in the past eleven years.
The rankings, published by Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), measure music usage across radio stations, television broadcasts, and public venues throughout the country. According to the data, Sheeran’s music was played an average of 574 times per day during 2025, the equivalent of roughly 24 plays every hour.
The achievement further reinforces Sheeran’s position as one of the most dominant artists in modern British music. Since breaking into the mainstream more than a decade ago, the singer has consistently remained among the country’s most commercially successful and widely broadcast performers.
Reacting to the news, Sheeran thanked listeners and broadcasters for their continued support.
“I am so grateful to be named most-played artist across TV, radio, and venues across the UK for an incredible eighth time,” he said. “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.”
Taylor Swift finished in second place on the annual list, continuing her remarkable global success and strong presence in the British market. Dua Lipa secured third place, followed by Calvin Harris and David Guetta.
The remainder of the top ten included Coldplay, Elton John, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, and Lady Gaga.
Alongside the artist rankings, PPL also released its list of the most-played songs of 2025. British artist Myles Smith claimed the top position with his hit song “Nice To Meet You,” which became the most broadcast track across UK media and public venues during the year.
Smith also placed tenth on the chart with “Stargazing,” underlining his growing influence in the British music industry.
“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,” Smith said. “I’m so grateful to everyone who has listened to my fans who have been with me from the beginning and to everyone at the radio and in the venues who has supported the music. It means everything.”
Other highly played songs included “Messy” by Lola Young, “Ordinary” by Alex Warren, and “People Watching” by Sam Fender.
PPL, the UK’s collective management organization for music rights, plays a major role in collecting royalties for artists and rights holders whenever music is broadcast or played publicly across Britain.
The latest rankings highlight the enduring popularity of British artists both domestically and internationally, while also reflecting the growing influence of newer names emerging in the global streaming and radio landscape.
Most Played Artists in the UK in 2025
- Ed Sheeran
- Taylor Swift
- Dua Lipa
- Calvin Harris
- David Guetta
- Coldplay
- Elton John
- Ariana Grande
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Lady Gaga
Most Played Songs in the UK in 2025
- “Nice To Meet You” – Myles Smith
- “Messy” – Lola Young
- “Ordinary” – Alex Warren
- “People Watching” – Sam Fender
- “APT” – Rosé and Bruno Mars
- “Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else” – Benson Boone
- “Pink Pony Club” – Chappell Roan
- “Sapphire” – Ed Sheeran
- “Azizam” – Ed Sheeran
- “Stargazing” – Myles Smith
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