SEARCH DATE RANGE

SEARCH TERM OR WORD

British talent dominates with 7 out of 10 of the most played acts from the UK 
‘Flowers’ by Miley Cyrus named the most played song of 2023 

 
Today, PPL can reveal that Ed Sheeran has been named the most played artist of 2023, winning the accolade for the seventh time in nine years. It’s the second time the Atlantic Records artist has clocked up three consecutive years as the most played act across radio, TV and in public places. The chart is being announced today to coincide with the PPL Annual General Meeting taking place this afternoon. 
 
PPL licenses the use of recorded music on radio, TV and in public places such as shops, bars, restaurants, gyms, offices and warehouses in the UK and receives extensive airplay reporting from such broadcasters and public performance venues. The organisation used this information to distribute revenue to close to 165,000 performers and recording rightsholders when their music was played publicly and broadcast in 2023. 
 
Ed previously scored a hat-trick between 2017 and 2019, with fellow Warner Music artist Dua Lipa bringing his fantastic run to a close in 2020. Dua Lipa was the third most played artist in the UK in 2023, propelled by the success of ‘Dance The Night’ from the Barbie OST. Taylor Swift jumped from number ten to two in 2023, matching her previous high in 2015. With the Eras tour having landed in the UK this month, it will be all to play for in 2024. 
 
Ed Sheeran said: “Thank you for naming me the most played artist for last year. I want to say thank you to my promotions team, Damian [Christian] and the whole team that works with you. You have consistently done amazing things, not just for me but for all the other artists you work with and I’m happy that you get this recognition - thanks so much and here’s to the next year!” 
 
Coldplay is the only group in the Top 10 and, alongside Ed Sheeran and Calvin Harris, has also been the most consistent presence annually in the chart appearing nine times in the last decade. British music continues to dominate with seven out of ten of the most played artists in 2023 being from the UK. Tom Grennan is the newest UK musician to enter the countdown at number eight, jumping from 17 in 2022. And finally, Madonna makes a return to the Top 10, following the launch of the Celebration greatest hits world tour in London last autumn. 
 
Most Played Artist in 2023 
  1. Ed Sheeran 
  2. Taylor Swift 
  3. Dua Lipa 
  4. Calvin Harris 
  5. David Guetta 
  6. Elton John 
  7. Coldplay 
  8. Tom Grennan 
  9. Harry Styles 
  10. Madonna 
Everybody loves Flowers 
Miley Cyrus makes her debut at number 12 in the Most Played Artist chart but steals the midsummer crown with ‘Flowers’ being named the most played song of 2023. As the lead single from her album Endless Summer Vacation, the global smash hit has already topped the sales charts in 37 countries, marking another incredible milestone for Miley.  
 
Ed Sheeran sits at number two with ‘Eyes Closed’, and Lewis Capaldi captures the number three spot with ‘Forget Me’. His song ‘Pointless’ sits just outside the Top 10 at number 11. Swifties will be happy to see ‘Anti-Hero’ is the fourth most played, and ‘Cruel Summer’ sits at nine. Dua Lipa is dancing the night away at five and Calvin Harris & Ellie Goulding’s ‘Miracle’ takes the sixth spot – the only collaboration in the Top 10. 
 
P!NK, previously named the most played female artist of the 21st century for National Album Day in 2021, holds steady at seven with ‘Trustfall’. Jonas Brothers’ ‘Waffle House’ takes eighth place and Niall Horan’s ‘Heaven’ is at number ten. 2022’s most played earworm ‘As It Was’ by Harry Styles slides down just outside the Top 10 to number 12. 
 
Most Played Song in 2023  
  1. Flowers 
Miley Cyrus 
  1. Eyes Closed 
Ed Sheeran 
  1. Forget Me 
Lewis Capaldi 
  1. Anti-Hero 
Taylor Swift 
  1. Dance The Night 
Dua Lipa 
  1. Miracle 
Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding 
  1. Trustfall 
P!NK 
  1. Waffle House 
Jonas Brothers 
  1. Cruel Summer 
Taylor Swift 
  1. Heaven 
Niall Horan 
 
Peter Leathem OBE, CEO of PPL, said: “Congratulations to all artists featured this year and especially Ed and Miley on their respective number ones. These exclusive charts provide a snapshot of some of the most popular music being played publicly in the UK. As the global music market gets more competitive, it’s fantastic to see that seven out of the top ten most played acts are British. The charts highlight the important role broadcasters and businesses of all shapes and sizes play in supporting home-grown talent. Thanks to them, we can do our job ensuring performers and recording rightsholders get paid whenever their music is used in public.” 

10 Jul 2025 | Press release

UK music tech sector faces critical

MTUK's first-ever state of the nation report on the UK music tech sector urges the Government to ensure music tech remains a cornerstone of the UK's creative economy   A comprehensive new report from Music Technology UK (MTUK), the UK trade association dedicated to...more

10 Jul 2025 | Press release

Northampton's Billy Lockett signs gargantuan publishing deal with independent Notting Hill Music

  Critically acclaimed British singer-songwriter Billy Lockett has inked an immense global publishing deal with Notting Hill Music, one of the UK's most respected independent music publishers. The deal marks a pivotal moment in Lockett's flourishing career, following a breakout few years that have seen him...more

10 Jul 2025 | Press release

Concord Music Publishing Signs Global Deal with Grammy-Nominated Producer Duo Tropkillaz

Marking Concord’s First Signing Out of Brazil    Concord Music Publishing is thrilled to announce the signing of Tropkillaz, the dynamic GRAMMY-nominated Brazilian production duo of Zegon and Laudz, to a global publishing agreement covering all new copyrights. This landmark deal, orchestrated...more

10 Jul 2025 | Press release

Symphonic Distribution Partners with Third Chair to Monitor Music on Social Media for Proper Sync Usage, Maximizing Revenue

  Symphonic Distribution, a leading music technology and services company for independent labels, managers, and artists, has partnered with Third Chair (previously Watchdog) to utilize their IP enforcement services to monitor social media music usages and protect all of the music under Symphonic's...more

10 Jul 2025 | Press release

FUGA Partners With Arketyp Group, the New Venture From YEAR0001 Co-Founder Oskar Ekman

Deal expands FUGA’s footprint in the Nordic region and follows new signings from Arketyp Group and YEAR0001Downtown-owned, B2B distributor FUGA has today announced a new global partnership with Arketyp Group, the newly launched independent label group founded by Swedish music...more

09 Jul 2025 | Press release

Levellr Unveils AI Tool to Decode Real-Time Fan Sentiment on Discord

New feature gives artists, labels, and brands instant insight into what fans really think, feel, and care about View demo dashboard here Levellr, the fan community platform powering next-gen artist-to-fan connections, has launched a cutting-edge AI social listening tool designed to unlock...more

09 Jul 2025 | Press release

The UK's Official biggest songs and albums on vinyl of 2025 so far revealed

Sam Fender scoops the biggest vinyl album of 2025 so far Oasis secure best-selling vinyl single of the year so far with 'Whatever' anniversary reissue   Sam Fender's People Watching claims the best-selling vinyl album of 2025 so far! Congratulations are in order for  Sam...more

09 Jul 2025 | Press release

Rebecca Lucy Taylor a.k.a Self Esteem to curate at this year's Southbank Centre's London Literature Festival

The festival also features Adam Buxton, Alexis Wright, Bora Chung, Charlie Macksey, Chris Kraus, Claire-Louise Bennett, Frank Cottrell-Boyce, Funmi Fetto, Jackie Kay, Jimi Famurewa, Kelly Frost, Lisa Smith, Malala Yousafzai, Michael Rosen, Nikita Gill, Neoprene Genie, Nesrine Malik, Olga Ravn, Pankaj Mishra,...more

09 Jul 2025 | Press release

'Don't Look Back In Anger' takes title of most played Oasis song of 21st Century

‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’ has been revealed as Oasis’s most played track on UK radio and TV in the 21st century, according to new data from music licensing company PPL. Following the band’s euphoric live return to universally glowing...more

09 Jul 2025 | Press release

Tom Walker signs global publishing deal with BMG

  Platinum-selling British singer-songwriter Tom Walker has signed an exclusive global publishing agreement with BMG. The deal brings together Walker’s deeply personal songwriting and unmistakable voice with BMG’s industry-leading publishing capabilities.  Known for his breakthrough hits “Leave a Light On” and “Just You and...more

09 Jul 2025 | Press release

Statement on UK Government Decision to ban Employer NDAs

A statement from Gaby Cartwright, Head of Partnerships, LIVE in response to the UK Government's decision to make amendments to The Employment Rights Bill that will ban employers from using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) that silence workplace harassment and abuse. Changes set to be introduced to...more

08 Jul 2025 | Press release

BBC Radio 2 listeners to vote for Your Ultimate 80s Duet

  The 1980s saw some of the world's best loved popstars unite to create some of the most magical and much-loved duets ever made. Today (7th July), Scott Mills on the Radio 2 Breakfast show and BBC Sounds announced voting has opened for Your...more

08 Jul 2025 | Press release

AIF calls for Competition and Markets Authority to investigate Live Nation

Live Nation could be held responsible for engaging in anti-competitive behaviour, according to AIF analysis.   The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has called for an investigation into Live Nation from the UK's Competition and Markets Authority. The trade body recently provided evidence...more

08 Jul 2025 | Press release

LIVE Awards 2025

Category Nominations Now Open  Tom Ward is the new host of the LIVE Awards 2025   The annual LIVE Awards, which will take place on Wednesday December 10th at Troxy in East London, has announced a new host for 2025. Tom Ward is an...more

08 Jul 2025 | Press release

Green Man Festival 2025

14th - 17th August 2025 Announce full line up and day splits for SOLD OUT 2025 edition Cymande, Heartworms, Been Stellar, Cass McCombs, Factory Floor, Gurriers, Hannah Frances, Jamz Supernova, Keo, KOKOROKO, Shale, Lucy Gooch, Iraina Mancini, Molina, MORN, Ella Ion, Natalie...more

07 Jul 2025 | Press release

Brazilian music superstar Alok signs global publishing deal with BMG

  GRAMMY-nominated Brazilian music superstar and philanthropist ALOK has signed a global publishing agreement with BMG.A leading figure in dance music, ALOK is best known for his hit singles "Hear Me Now," "Deep Down," "Lua," and chart-topping collaborations with John Legend,...more

07 Jul 2025 | Press release

Independent music company CEOs around the world call for end to further anti-competitive, consolidation attempts in the music industry

  Hundreds of independent record labels and trade associations have raised significant concerns about Universal Music Group's acquisition of Downtown Music Holdings. Deal is the latest in a line of serial acquisitions from UMG in the independent sector Together they have signed an...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

Tickets For Good announces launch of Belgian business at Wallifornia, opens £3m funding round

  The Wallifornia Conference Startups alumni returns to reveal latest expansion news. TfG recipients include some 500k registered healthcare workers, teachers, and charity workers across UK, EU and U.S. It's distributed 1million+ free and discounted tickets from 1,000+ live event partners, including Dua...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

Lewis Capaldi surprises fans in London's Covent Garden to launch 'Room to Reflect' meditation booth with TikTok

  SCOTTISH SUPERSTAR PARTNERS WITH TIKTOK TO ENCOURAGE THE NATION TO TAKE A MOMENT TO RESET FROM  EVERYDAY LIFE   The ‘Room to Reflect’ experience was narrated by Lewis Capaldi, offering a sanctuary from the London daily grind to meditate and escape the...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

Beatport Live Launches 'The Block'

A Touring Container Stage Spotlighting Emerging DJs at Junction 2, Creamfields, and The Prospect Building  Over the last five years, more than 400 nightclubs have closed in Britain and Beatport recognises the urgent need to offer more than just a digital...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

BDi Music signs exclusive worldwide publishing deal with Paige Bea

Bea is a sought after musician, songwriter, DJ and emerging producer.   BDi Music has signed artist and songwriter Paige Bea to an exclusive worldwide publishing deal.  Paige Bea is a London-born musician, songwriter, DJ and emerging producer. Originally trained as an opera...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

Bandcamp Daily's Summer 2025 Hotlist Spotlights Its Most Anticipated New Releases

Open Mike Eagle, Wet Leg, Kokoroko, Alex G, Susumu Yokota and more are all featured in the Summer 2025 Hotlist    Bandcamp Daily, the editorial arm of the world’s largest online music marketplace and community, has released its 2025 Summer Hotlist, a curated collection...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

Universal Music Greater China announces strategic global alliance with "Godfather of Mandarin R&B" David Tao and his company Great Entertainment

Universal Music Group to Release David Tao’s New Studio Album STUPID POP SONGS, with Physical Pre-Orders Opening Soon   Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a strategic global...more

04 Jul 2025 | Press release

David Bowie Centre - V&A Announces More Detail, plus The Last Dinner Party and Nile Rodgers

From guest-curated displays to unrealised projects, the V&A announces new details on the David Bowie Centre - opening at the V&A East Storehouse on 13 September 2025 A new home for David Bowie's archive – V&A East Storehouse's David Bowie Centre – gets...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

WMA announces expansion of UK & European Publicity, Social and Marketing Divisions

Andy Saiker appointed as Head of PR, Social & Marketing (UK & Europe) Global digital marketing and creative agency, WMA are delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Saiker as Head of PR, Social and Marketing (UK & Europe), effective immediately....more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

Tems Launches The Leading Vibe Initiative, Empowering the Next Generation of Women in Music

APPLICATION DEADLINE THIS JULY 13TH   Two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, Tems announces today the launch of the Leading Vibe Initiative, a groundbreaking platform designed to support, connect and amplify young women in music across Africa, with a vision to...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

WeAre8 Announces 8fest: The World's First Social Media Music Festival, curated by industry insiders

The next generation of music talent is about to transform your social feed experience. WeAre8, the social media bringing social and economic freedom to artists worldwide, today unveils 8fest - a global, three-day virtual festival running next week from11-13 July 2025,...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

The Money Trench - The Music Industry Podcast celebrates its first anniversary with two new headline sponsors

The podcast curated by Mark Sutherland and executive producer Mike Walsh will launch its 50th episode with the support of SoundOn and Tixel    The Money Trench – The Music Industry Podcast with Mark Sutherland (‘TMT’), is celebrating its first anniversary with...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

Cyanite and ON AIR strengthen partnership to deliver AI-driven insights for playlist curation in MusicMaster Scheduling

To redefine music programming for broadcasters and audio platforms, ON AIR has integrated Cyanite's industry-leading AI music tagging into the familiar MusicMaster Scheduling environment. This collaboration unlocks entirely new, data-driven pathways for playlist curation, helping radio stations and content creators...more

03 Jul 2025 | Press release

Warner Music buys Skorpioni Music's catalogue

Independent label's strong legacy in Finnish music will endure   Warner Music Finland has bought the catalog of renowned independent record company Skorpioni, which had announced earlier this year that it would be ceasing operations.   This is a significant transition in the local...more

10 Jul 2025

  • Can TikTok revive classic songs? A statistical analysis (see Analysis)

09 Jul 2025

  • UMG’s Michael Nash: ‘AI can be instrumental to the future of music’ (see Digital)

08 Jul 2025

  • In the post-music streaming era, do artists and labels give too much away? (see Comment)

07 Jul 2025

  • Songwriters ‘missing millions in royalties from more than 100,000 UK gigs’ (see News)

  • Merck Mercuriadis plots comeback with Hipgnosis remix (see Business)

04 Jul 2025

  • V&A East Storehouse to open the David Bowie Centre (see News)

  • ESCA calls on the EU to block Universal Music’s deal to buy Downtown (see News)

  • Virgin Music CEOs push back against critics of Downtown Music deal (see News)

03 Jul 2025

  • Record labels are running on empty (see Opinion)

  • AI music is going viral, but it’s not what fans want (see Comment)

02 Jul 2025

  • The Velvet Sundown may be the first breakout AI band from Suno (see Digital)

  • Amid cuts, WMG to "continue to supercharge our capabilities in long-term artist, songwriter, and catalog development" (see Business)

01 Jul 2025

  • WIN CEO writes to European Commission Vice-President over Universal's acquisition of Downtown (see Comment)

  • If Spotify truly champions discovery, it should champion fair compensation from the first stream (see Comment)

30 Jun 2025

  • Selected Glastonbury coverage (see News, Features, Showbiz, Reviews)

27 Jun 2025

  • Streaming is both retail and radio – it shouldn’t be (see Comment)

  • Impala’s Helen Smith on UMG's planned Downtown acquisition (see Comment)