<P> This is a list of the best - selling albums of the 2000s, based on IFPI certification and Nielsen SoundScan sales tracking . The criteria are that the album must have been published (including self - publishing by the artist), and the album must have shipped at least 10 million units starting from January 1, 2000 . </P> <P> Units sold include physical copies and digital downloads . </P> <Table> <Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> Colors </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> Studio albums </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> Greatest hits and compilations </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td> </Td> <Td> Soundtracks </Td> </Tr> </Table>

Who is the best selling artist of the 21st century