Photo: WENN.com
After analysing digital downloads, streaming, and physical sales, IFPI have awarded One Direction Global Recording Artists of 2013.
International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, a not-for-profit organisation representing the interests of the music industry worldwide, found that 1D were the most popular recording artists worldwide last year. The award was created In in an effort to "accurately capture the popularity of artists" using an independently verified chart.
The band's third album topped the US Billboard top 200, making them the first group ever to debut at No.1 with their first three albums. They also racked up almost 200 million YouTube views for 'Best Song Ever.'
Watch the video for 'Best Song Ever' below (It is not the best song ever)
Frances Moor, chief executive of IFPI, said, "Our chart for the first time measures the popularity of artists across the many different ways in which fans choose their music."
This award puts One Direction in good stead to win the Global Success Brit Awards next month, which will be hosted for the fifth time by James Corden, and take place on 19 February.
