One Direction
One Direction poses backstage with one of the two awards they won at the 41st American Music Awards in Los Angeles CREDIT: REUTERS Reuters

Music mogul Simon Cowell has announced that One Direction were the biggest selling artists of 2013.

The news coincides with the release of a teaser from the band's new single Midnight Memories, which is also the title track from their third studio album, released in November last year.

The boys' former X Factor mentor revealed the news on Twitter saying: "I know how much they put into this record from start to finish. Very proud."

The behind the scenes video offers glimpses into the boys real life, with the pop stars showing off their physiques while working out and causing chaos in a kebab show.

Simon Cowell / Twitter

It's not all work however, and the band are spotted racing on Segways, a quad bike and a go-cart.

They also enjoy a late-night ride on mobility scooters and dance with a group of elderly revellers.

The boys later board a police boat and are seen singing while harnessed to the top of Tower Bridge.

One Direction's bid for global domination continues with their album, Midnight Memories, topping the US Billboard Top 200 chart in America, making them the first group in the charts history to debut at No. 1 with their first three albums.

Midnight Memories was the bestselling album of 2013 in the UK, with the highest week one sales for three years. It also topped the charts in 30 countries.

One Direction
Harry Styles and Niall Horan play up to the cameras in a still from the new video for Midnight Memories. YouTube

Meanwhile, the band have been nominated for Best British Group and Best British Single at the 2014 Brit Awards.

2014 is looking like a big year for One Direction fans, as the band embark on a worldwide stadium tour, taking in the UK and Europe, South America and the USA and Canada.

On Monday, the boys tweeted news of the Wembley tour dates writing: "You got it! 1D will be performing at London's @wembleystadium on the 7th June! RT if you'll be there! 1DHQ x"

'Midnight Memories' will be released on March 9