Simon Cowell has tweeted that he is "proud" of One Direction after they were named the most successful recording act of 2013.

The Story of My Life group beat the likes of Eminem and Justin Timberlake to top IFPI's global recording artist chart with their third studio album, Midnight Memories.

The IFPI's new annual chart reveals the most successful artists in term of physical and digital sales, as well as streaming revenue.

"Many congratulations to One Direction, who topped a talented field to become the IFPI Global Recording Artists of 2013," said Frances Moore, chief executive of IFPI.

"This is a global IFPI award for a new era of music consumption, based on a new metric of global success.

"Our chart for the first time measures the popularity of artists across the many different ways in which fans choose their music."

Eminem came in second place with The Marshall Mathers LP 2, while Justin Timberlake was third.

Katy Perry was crowned the most successful female artist following the success of single Roar and her most recent album Prism.

So one direction were the biggest selling artists in 2013. I know how much they put into this record from start to finish. Very proud.

— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) January 30, 2014

Commenting on 1D's success, SiCo took to Twitter to write: "So one direction were the biggest selling artists in 2013. I know how much they put into this record from start to finish. Very proud.

"And I also want to thank the other writers the producers the team at syco modest their management and sony worldwide.

"And... I have said it before and will say it again...the greatest group of fans. Why can't there be an award for the best fans at the Grammys?"

Cowell added: "Or the Brits? It seems crazy they don't. Is there a reason?"