Britney Spears shared an emotional post on social media to mark 20 years since the release of her breakthrough single …Baby One More Time.

The US popstar, then 16, was catapulted to global super stardom by the track, which was released on October 23 1998.

It went on to reach number one in at least 18 countries, including the UK.

Alongside a clip chopping together the music video with behind-the-scenes shots of its creation, Spears, 36, wrote on Instagram: “It’s hard to put into words what today means to me… 20 years ago, the world heard my music for the very first time! So much has happened since then…

“But what I really want to say is thank you to my amazing fans who have been there for me since day 1. Your support over the years has meant the absolute world to me!! Love you all!”

The song was included on the album of the same name, which was released in January 1999.

To mark the 20-year anniversary since …Baby One More Time, music streaming service Deezer revealed her most streamed song of 2018.

Spears’ 2004 hit Toxic took the accolade over …Baby More More Time.

Oops!… I Did It Again (2000) was third, Womanizer (2008) was fourth and Everytime (2004) rounded out the top five.

The data showed that many of Spears’ current fans were not even born when the 36-year-old’s first single was released. Just over a quarter (28%) of those streaming the star’s tracks this year were aged 18 and 24.

Streaming data showed that 58% of those listening to Spears’ music are female, and 42% are male.

Spears last week announced a new Las Vegas residency.