Overview
- PPL’s newly released 2025 dataset lists Ed Sheeran as the UK’s most-played artist for the eighth time in 11 years, based on plays on radio, television and in public venues.
- The report says Sheeran’s catalogue was played an average of 574 times per day in the UK, which PPL equates to roughly 24 plays every hour.
- Myles Smith’s "Nice To Meet You" was the single most-played track across radio, TV and public spaces in 2025, and his follow-up "Stargazing" also reached the top 10.
- PPL’s artist top 10 includes Taylor Swift at two and Dua Lipa at three, with Calvin Harris, David Guetta, Coldplay, Sir Elton John, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter and Lady Gaga completing the list.
- PPL collects royalties for public and broadcast plays, so the rankings shape industry perceptions of reach and earnings; Sheeran thanked fans for their support and outlets noted the announcement came after his recent split from Asylum/Warner Music.