UK’s most played music artists of 2024 revealed as surprise star tops list for airplay on radio, TV and in public

DUA Lipa was the most played artist in the UK last year, beating Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.

The 29-year-old’s songs received more play on radio, TV and in public places than any other act in 2024.

Dua Lipa performing on stage.

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Dua Lipa was the most played artist in the UK last yearCredit: Getty
Taylor Swift performing on stage.

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Taylor Swift, 35, was second on the listCredit: Getty
Ariana Grande speaking onstage at CinemaCon.

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Into You singer Ariana Grande finished seventhCredit: Getty

It is the second time she has topped the list, compiled by music licensing company Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), having also been the most played in 2020.

The Training Season singer has consistently stayed in the top three since then.

Taylor, 35, was second on the list, while Ed, 34, who had spent the last three years at number one, was the third most played artist.

DJ David Guetta was fourth, Coldplay fifth, Calvin Harris sixth and Ariana Grande seventh.

Seven of the top ten acts are British, with Elton John, Becky Hill and Harry Styles rounding out the list.

Becky Hill at the Brit Awards 2024.

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Becky Hill was another British artist on the list, coming in at 9thCredit: Alamy
Harry Styles performing with a guitar.

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Former One Direction singer Harry Styles was 10th on the listCredit: Getty
Portrait of Ed Sheeran at the 66th Grammy Awards.

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Ed Sheeran, who had spent the last three years at number one, was the third most played artistCredit: Getty

Dua, whose single Houdini was her most played track last year, said: “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.”

Meanwhile, Stick Season by American singer-songwriter Noah Kahan, which spent seven weeks at the top of the charts last year, was named the most played track of 2024.

Lose Control by Teddy Swims and Beautiful Things by Benson Boone were second and third most played tracks.

From cheeky topless snaps to Dua Lipa’s beach break & luxury £3,600 a NIGHT villas – inside globe-trotting stars’ super glam Easter getaways
Chris Martin of Coldplay performing on stage.

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Coldplay, with frontman Chris Martin pictured here, came fifthCredit: Getty
Sir Elton John on BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg.

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Sir Elton John, who finished eighth, was one of seven British acts in the top 10Credit: PA
Calvin Harris at the BRIT Awards 2025.

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Scottish DJ Calvin Harris came in at sixthCredit: Getty
Portrait of David Guetta smiling while sitting.

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DJ David Guetta was fourth on the listCredit: Getty
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