Taylor Swift was the second most played artist of 2024 – having also been the second most played artist of 2023. Ed Sheeran, the most played artist in 2021, 2022 and 2023, was third most played in 2024.
Dua said of the accolade: “It’s a real honour to be named the most played artist in the UK for the second time.
“2024 was an incredible year and I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported my music on the radio, TV and in venues around the country. Thanks also to PPL for continuing to support artists and our music.”
Meanwhile, Noah Kahan’s Stick Season – which spent seven weeks atop the Official Singles Chart in January and February 2024 – was the UK’s most played track of 2024.
Teddy Swims’ Lose Control – a Number 2 hit on the Official Singles Chart – was the UK’s second most played track of 2024. Benson Boone’s Number 1 smash Beautiful Things was the third most played track.
The 10 most played artists in the UK in 2024:
1. Dua Lipa
2. Taylor Swift
3. Ed Sheeran
4. David Guetta
5. Coldplay
6. Calvin Harris
7. Ariana Grande
8. Elton John
9. Becky Hill
10. Harry Styles
The 10 most played artists in the UK in 2024:
1. Stick Season – Noah Kahan
2. Lose Control – Teddy Swims
3. Beautiful Things – Benson Boone
4. Austin (Boots Stop Workin’) – Dasha
5. Stargazing – Myles Smith
6. Houdini – Dua Lipa
7. A Bar Song (Tipsy) – Shaboozey
8. Espresso – Sabrina Carpenter
9. Too Sweet – Hozier
10. Feelslikeimfallinginlove – Coldplay
The PPL licenses the use of recorded music on radio, TV and in public places across the UK, including shops, bars, restaurants, gyms, offices and warehouses. It also receives extensive airplay reporting data from broadcasters and public performance venues, so it’s figures are incredibly comprehensive.
Peter Leathem OBE, PPL CEO, said of the overall 2024 statistics: “British artists continue to perform well, making up 70% of the Top 10 – proving they have staying power across the nation’s broadcasters, businesses and public spaces.”
He added: “It is also fantastic to see fresh UK talent such as Myles Smith make a big splash in the top five most played tracks, showing there is plenty of promise in UK music going forward.”
Article images: Tyrone Lebon