One Direction have set another record after their song Fireproof became the most downloaded free track in history.

The boy band allowed fans to download the song for 24 hours for free in anticipation of their fourth album, Four.

Fans rushed to get Fireproof and it was downloaded 1,089,278 times in the 24-hour period, making it the most downloaded free song ever.

Band member Niall Horan tweeted: "The reaction to 'fireproof' has been unbelievable, really makes us excited for you to hear the rest of FOUR! Thank you xx."

So far Four has hit number one on the iTunes Album Chart in 67 countries on pre-orders alone.

Last year, the quintet's third album Midnight Memories debuted in the top spot in 39 countries, and went on to become the top selling album of 2013 worldwide.

And earlier this month, it was announced that the boys are entering the Guinness World Records book because they are the first act whose first three albums debuted in the top spot in America. Their records Up All Night and Take Me Home were number ones and they clinched their place in the record books with Midnight Memories.

Four will be released on November 17.