Beyoncé released her surprise self-titled visual album in 2013 without advance promotion. The album arrived digitally on the iTunes Store on December 13, 2013.
The release included 14 songs and 17 accompanying videos. Beyoncé announced it through a short social-media message and an Instagram video, presenting the project as an experience intended to be heard and watched together.
The album became notable for changing expectations around major pop releases. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and made Beyoncé the first woman whose first five studio albums debuted at number one in the United States.
Although the album is often called a surprise release, it was carefully completed before its announcement. Its unannounced arrival, rather than an absence of planning, was the innovative part of the strategy.