The organisers of this year's BRIT Awards have revealed that they're incredibly pleased by the viewing figures that have now been confirmed. 

This year was the first that the BRITs offered a live stream direct from YouTube and since it was made available, the link has clocked up over 15.7 million views with 76% of those coming from outside of the UK. This is a 19% increase on last year's figures. 

In addition to these impressive statistics, the ceremony's official hashtag ended up trending in 334 different cities across the world. Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive of The BPI and Brit Awards Limited, explained that making the event internationally accessible is the next aim:

"Our strategic vision is to develop the Brits into a global entertainment brand that will showcase British music around the world. The partnership with YouTube is a key element in bringing this about, and I am delighted with the viewing numbers and the record level of social interaction that we have seen over the past few days.

Taylor added: "This is a great platform from which to build next year."

Singer-songwriter Jake Bugg hit out at the BRITs this week and accused the organisers of creating the Global Success purely for One Direction to be able to win it: "To make up an award just so One Direction win it and turn up is a bit wrong but that’s it, it’s show business."

Watch some of the 2014 ceremony's highlights here: