Harry Styles and his bandmates claimed best pop video, edging out Beiber and pop princess Rihanna, and were later crowned best new artists.
They also took home the gong for most share-worthy video – for their hit single, What Makes You Beautiful.
Styles said he was extremely happy to be recognised in the US.
“To win one Moonman is amazing, to win two is incredible,” he said, as the group collected the ‘famous’ silver VMA trophy for best new artists.
One Direction made history in March by becoming the first UK group to debut at the top of the Billboard 200 chart with a first album.
The boys also got another taste of success, albeit a very different one, when Styles and Niall Horan had received kisses on the lips from Katy Perry.
Perry has long been a fan.
“Niall is just such a sweetheart. I’m a big fan of One Direction,” the 27-year-old told The Irish Sun in July..
Before the ceremony, Perry tweeted, “If One Direction doesn’t perform on the VMAs I am gonna jump off this ledge!”
Horan, perhaps aware of the ferocious, jealous anger some of One Directions supporters muster, paid tribute to his legion of fanatics after the kiss.
“Straight away we would like to thank the most important people: Our fans who have followed us through our two-year rollercoaster journey and have helped us win this award for Best Pop Video. So thank you!”
