One Direction Top of The World For Third Year

One Direction continue to dominate the music industry after being named the most successful UK act in the world for the third year running.

The boyband's latest album Four topped in the iTunes chart in 85 countries and they are currently on a world tour of America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Niall Horan, Zayn Mailk, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne's success has come despite them losing out in the 2010 X Factor final.

They are the first ever act to debut at number one in the Billboard chart with each of their first four albums.

The band said: "We just want to thank all our amazing fans everywhere.

"Every time we visit a new country we feel instantly accepted and it's mind-blowing to think the five of us have been able to connect with so many people."

Their all-conquering status was confirmed by industry body the IFPI (International Federation Of The Phonographic Industry).

Simon Cowell, who has guided the group's rise to fame, said: "I am absolutely delighted - and immensely proud - that One Direction were the biggest UK act in the world in 2014.

"To accomplish this for a third year in a row is a fantastic achievement - and especially pleasing as this latest album also highlighted the band's skills as songwriters."

Taylor Swift topped the list, which includes music downloads, streaming and physical format sales worldwide.

Her fifth album, 1989, sold 1.2 million copies in its first week of release in the US alone.

Third place was claimed by British solo artist Ed Sheeran.

Here is the top 10:

1. Taylor Swift

2. One Direction

3. Ed Sheeran

4. Coldplay

5. AC/DC

6. Michael Jackson

7. Pink Floyd

8. Sam Smith

9. Katy Perry

10. Beyonce