Ed Sheeran named the UK’s most played artist for the sixth time in eight years

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PPL licenses the use of recorded music on radio, TV and in public places in the UK and receives extensive airplay reporting from broadcasters and public performance venues. It uses the information to help ensure that performers and recording rightsholders are paid when their music is used. PPL’s Most Played charts, which are produced annually using this exclusive data, offer a unique perspective on the way recorded music is used by broadcasters and businesses across the UK.

Sheeran gets Shivers after Perfect performance

This is Ed Sheeran’s sixth Most Played Artists chart-topping appearance in the last eight years, continuing a dominant run which stretches back to 2015. Only Dua Lipa’s success in 2020 has prevented him from a clean sweep of every year since 2017. The Suffolk-based singer-songwriter made his first appearance in the top five of a Most Played Artists chart in 2012 – the year he released his landmark + album. His 2022 success reflects the overwhelming popularity of his 2021 album = as well as the enduring appeal of his back catalogue of hits.

Few other artists can come close to Ed Sheeran’s multi-year success in PPL’s annual Most Played Artists charts in recent years. Only Coldplay, who are making their ninth appearance in the top 10 this year, remain from Sheeran’s first appearance in the Most Played Artists chart in 2012.

This year marks the first time that both Elton John and Becky Hill have broken the top 10 of the Most Played Artists charts, having each made the top 20 in 2021.

This year’s results reaffirm the strength of the British music industry’s creative output, with UK artists dominating the top 10 of the Most Played Artists chart. Eight of the artists – Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa, Harry Styles, Elton John, George Ezra, Coldplay, Calvin Harris, and Becky Hill – hail from the UK. David Guetta is the highest-ranked overseas artist, taking the number three position, and Pennsylvania-native Taylor Swift concludes the list, in tenth place.

Ed Sheeran, 2022’s Most Played Artist, said:

“Thanks to everyone who continues to listen to and enjoy my music. I never take it for granted x”

A Golden year for Harry

The Most Played Song of the year in the UK was Harry Styles’ As It Was, seeing off a challenge from Lizzo’s smash hit, About Damn Time. Harry’s vulnerable vocal and an earworm synth hook delivered a worldwide hit, making it to number one in the national singles charts in 39 countries including the UK, USA, and Germany. This marks the second time that Harry has featured on the Most Played Song chart, having come fifth in 2020 with Adore You.

Peter Leathem OBE, Chief Executive Officer at PPL, said:

“I am delighted that this year’s Most Played charts recognise two of the country’s great musical exports, Ed Sheeran, and Harry Styles. Their global success reflects the financial and cultural importance of British music.

“Ed’s unparalleled run at the top of our Most Played Artists charts is testament to his enduring popularity, longevity, and exceptional talent. Many congratulations to him and his team. Harry’s soaraway success reflects his hard work and consistent ability to write and perform songs that resonate the world over.

“Well done to all the artists featured in these charts and the music businesses that work so hard to support them.”

Record-breaking results for PPL

The charts have been published to coincide with PPL’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday 19 June. Also being presented at the AGM are the company’s 2022 financial results, which report record-breaking revenues of £272.6 million.

PPL’s Most Played charts are created using the company’s extensive UK music usage and airplay data. This data is supplied by licensees, including radio stations and TV channels, as well as businesses and organisations such as pubs, clubs, bars, and shops across the country.

PPL licenses recorded music in the UK when it is played in public or broadcast and ensures that revenue flows back to performers and recording rightsholders. These include independent and major record companies, together with performers ranging from emerging musicians to globally renowned artists. In 2022, in total, the company collected £272.6 million across its revenue streams, marking the highest level of revenue in the company’s 89-year history, and distributed money to more than 165,000 performers and recording rightsholders.

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