Largest Selling Newspaper in 2025 – What the Numbers Say

If you’re wondering which paper still pulls the biggest crowd, you’re not alone. Even in a world dominated by screens, a handful of titles crush the competition with print and digital sales that dwarf everything else. Below we break down the biggest sellers, why they stay on top, and what that means for readers in the UK.

Global Leaders in Newspaper Sales

Across the globe, the title of “largest selling newspaper” usually goes to a legacy brand that’s mastered both print and online distribution. In 2025, The Sun (UK) and Yomiuri Shimbun (Japan) continue to dominate, each moving over 2 million copies daily. Their secret? Massive regional networks, aggressive pricing, and a mix of sensational headlines with solid local reporting.

On the digital side, The New York Times claims the highest combined circulation when you add subscriptions, but its print numbers lag behind the tabloid giants. That distinction matters because advertisers still pay a premium for physical space, especially in commuter pockets.

Another surprise this year is the resurgence of the Daily Express. While its print run dipped during the pandemic, a refreshed content strategy and strong social media tie‑ins pushed its daily sales back above 800,000 copies, putting it firmly in the top tier.

The UK Landscape: Who Holds the Crown?

In the UK, the battle for the biggest selling newspaper is mostly a showdown between tabloid titans. The Sun still leads with a daily circulation that eclipses 2 million, thanks to its mix of celebrity gossip, sport, and bold politics. Right behind is the Daily Mail, which leans heavily on investigative pieces and a loyal online following.

But don’t write off the broadsheets. The Guardian and The Financial Times have carved out niche audiences that spend more per subscriber, keeping their overall revenue healthy despite lower print numbers. Their digital subscriptions alone now top 2 million combined.

What’s driving these numbers? Three things: price, distribution, and relevance. Cheap weekday pricing (often under £1) draws commuters, while extensive newsstand networks ensure you can grab a copy on the go. Meanwhile, content that resonates—whether it’s a scandal, a sports win, or a deep‑dive analysis—keeps readers coming back.

It’s also worth noting that younger readers are migrating to online platforms, so many of the “largest selling” titles are double‑counting print and digital. For example, Metro claims a combined audience of 2.5 million by offering free print copies in city centres alongside a robust app.

In short, the biggest seller isn’t just about raw print numbers anymore. It’s about the total reach across paper, web, and mobile. If you’re looking to understand where the power lies, focus on titles that dominate both the street corner and the smartphone screen.

So, whether you’re a marketer, a media student, or just curious about what Brits are reading, the answer is clear: tabloid powerhouses still lead, but a smart mix of digital strategy keeps the broadsheets very much in the game.