‘What Makes You Beautiful’ the most played One Direction track ever in the UK

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To celebrate today’s 10th anniversary of One Direction, PPL has released a chart of the group’s most played tracks, with 3x UK platinum debut single ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ coming in at number one. The track was a hit on release, winning the BRIT Award for Best British Single in 2012, described as “the real deal” by Billboard magazine and going platinum in eleven countries outside of the UK.

PPL licenses recorded music in the UK when it is played in public or broadcast, and ensures this revenue flows back to its performer and recording rightsholder members. Its charts are compiled from exclusive music usage and airplay data from radio stations and television channels as well as public performance locations such as pubs, clubs, bars, jukeboxes and shops all across the UK, showcasing the music that soundtracks our lives. For this chart the data covers the entire period of One Direction’s career, showing the continued popularity of their first release.

However, tracks from across the band’s five albums also feature in the chart, highlighting a consistent output of hits. At number two in the chart is ‘Story Of My Life’ from their third album, released in 2013, and at number three is ‘History’, the band’s final single before going on hiatus in 2016. Indeed, all three official singles from the final album ‘Made In The A.M.’ are in the top ten – ‘Perfect’ at number eight, and ‘Drag Me Down’ at number ten.

Peter Leathem, Chief Executive Officer at PPL said:

“One Direction are not only a household name in the UK but are hugely popular around the world, reflecting Britain’s reputation as a home to musical talent. The band’s tenth anniversary is a great moment to celebrate this and their contribution to popular music and culture. No doubt their music will continue to be widely listened to and we wish each member all the best as they continue with their individual careers.”

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