Ed Sheeran beats Taylor Swift as the UK's most played artist in 2025

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran has beaten Taylor Swift as the UK’s most played artist of 2025, according to music licensing agency Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL).

The 35-year-old topped PPL’s charts across radio, TV and public places, with his music played an average of 574 times per day, equating to 24 plays per hour.

It is Sheeran’s eighth time topping the charts in 11 years, with Taylor Swift coming in second place, followed by Dua Lipa in third place.

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

It is Sheeran’s eighth time topping the agency’s charts in 11 years. / Credit: PA

“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.”

The rest of the top 10 included Calvin Harris, Ariana Grande and Sir Elton John.

The full list of the most played artists in 2025, according to PPL:

1. Ed Sheeran

2. Taylor Swift

3. Dua Lipa

4. Calvin Harris

5. David Guetta

6. Coldplay

7. Sir Elton John

8. Ariana Grande

9. Sabrina Carpenter

10. Lady Gaga

British singer-songwriter Myles Smith had PPL’s most-played track of the year with Nice To Meet You.

Lola Young’s Messy came in second, Alex Warren’s Ordinary in third 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.”

Myles Smith’s Nice To Meet You was the most-played track on radio, TV and in public places in 2025 / Credit: PA

The full list of most played songs in 2025, according to PPL:

1. Nice To Meet You – Myles Smith

2. Messy– Lola Young

3. Ordinary– Alex Warren

4. People Watching – Sam Fender

5. APT – Rose and Bruno Mars

6. Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else – Benson Boone

7. Pink Pony Club – Chappell Roan

8. Sapphire – Ed Sheeran

9. Azizam – Ed Sheeran

10. Stargazing – Myles Smith

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.