Beyonce has posted an image of herself cradling her belly on Instagram to announce she is expecting twins.

"We would like to share our love and happiness. We have been blessed two times over," the 35-year-old wrote.

"We are incredibly grateful that our family will be growing by two, and we thank you for your well wishes."

The statement was signed "The Carters".

It has become the most liked Instagram post ever with 7.2m likes - shattering the 6.3m record set by Selena Gomez for a picture of herself.


Image: Jay Z and Beyonce campaigning for Hillary Clinton

Beyonce's celebrity pals have been congratulating her, including Rihanna, who wrote: "So exicted about this news!!!! Congratulations to you @Beyonce and my big brother Jay!!!!"

Beyonce and her husband Jay Z, real name Shawn Carter, already have a daughter, Blue Ivy, who was born in 2012.

She revealed that pregnancy at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2011.

Beyonce is nominated in nine categories at the Grammy Awards at was expected to perform at the ceremony on February 10.

She is also due to headline the Coachella music festival in southern California in April.