rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryairplayBroadcast exposure
noun

airplay

AIR-play/ˈerpleɪ/

Broadcasting of music or recordings on radio or television.

The recording receives airplay through the radio broadcast.

A Black radio presenter operating a mixing desk beside a microphone while a portable radio elsewhere emits subtle sound curves, no text.
Etymology
airEnglishradio broadcasting
+playEnglishreproduce a recording

Air has the broadcasting sense found in “on the air,” while play moved from performing music to reproducing recordings. Together they name a recording's broadcast exposure on radio.

In context

Adrian Barrin - Music & Event Marketing1:12
However, this one focused on radio airplay. It's a real-time database that lets you search by artist to see where their music was played on the radio stations around the world.
The Easiest Way to Get Radio Airplay as an Independent Artist

More examples

  • Local radio gave the band its first airplay.
  • Airplay increased after the album's release.
  • The recording struggled to secure national airplay.

Forms

airplay

Similar words

broadcast
Broadcasting includes many kinds of content; airplay specifically concerns recordings being played.
streaming
Streaming delivers media online; airplay traditionally concerns radio or television rotation.