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

The music licensing company, PPL has revealed its Most Played charts for 2022, with Ed Sheeran once again securing the title of Most Played Artist of the year in the UK.

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 + album. His 2022 success reflects the popularity of his 2021 album = as well as the enduring appeal of his back catalogue.

“Thanks to everyone who continues to listen to and enjoy my music,” said Sheeran. “I never take it for granted."

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 10th place.

Most Played Artists in 2022:

1. Ed Sheeran

2. Dua Lipa

3. David Guetta

4. Harry Styles

5. Elton John

6. George Ezra

7. Coldplay

8. Calvin Harris

9. Becky Hill

10. Taylor Swift

Meanwhile, the Most Played Song of the year in the UK was Harry Styles’ As It Was, seeing off a challenge from Lizzo’s hit, About Damn Time.

Styles’ hit made it to number one in the national singles charts in 39 countries including the UK, USA, and Germany. This marks the second time that he has featured on the Most Played Song chart, having come fifth in 2020 with Adore You.

Most Played Songs in 2022:

1. As It Was by Harry Styles

2. About Damn Time by Lizzo

3. Where Did You Go? by Jax Jones & MNEK

4. Cold Heart (PNAU remix) by Elton John and Dua Lipa

5. Anyone For You (Tiger Lily) by George Ezra

6. Where Are You Now by Lost Frequencies, Calum Scott

7. Green Green Grass by George Ezra

8. Overpass Graffiti by Ed Sheeran

9. Shivers by Ed Sheeran

10. Crazy What Love Can Do by David Guetta, Becky Hill, and Ella Henderson

“I am delighted that this year’s Most Played charts recognise two of the country’s great musical exports, Ed Sheeran, and Harry Styles,” said Peter Leathem OBE, chief executive officer at PPL.

“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.”

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.