Beyonce has unexpectedly released her fifth album on iTunes overnight, with 14 new songs and 17 music videos.

The self-titled record is the follow-up to 2011's 4, and features guest spots from her husband Jay-Z and daughter Blue Ivy.

"Surprise!" wrote the 32-year-old in a press release, adding she was "bored" of releasing music the traditional way.

The instantaneous release means "I am able to speak directly to my fans," she continued.

It also means the pop star's record is one of the few major releases of recent years not to leak in advance.

Many records are leaked during the manufacturing and distribution stage - but Beyonce's record is currently exclusive to iTunes.

Physical copies only started pressing on Friday morning, and are expected in shops on 21 December.