Keeping Up With The Kardashians is ending after 14 years on air, Kim Kardashian West has announced.

The reality show, which followed the lives of the Kardashian family over 20 seasons, made its stars household names.

"It is with heavy hearts that we've made the difficult decision as a family to say goodbye to Keeping Up With The Kardashians," she said.

"After what will be 14 years, 20 seasons, hundreds of episodes and numerous spin-off shows, we are beyond grateful to all of you who've watched us for all of these years - through the good times, the bad times, the happiness, the tears, and the many relationships and children.

"We'll forever cherish the wonderful memories and countless people we've met along the way."

The model and businesswoman said she "wouldn't be where I am today" without the popular show, which was aired on E! network.

It is not known why the show has come to an end, but E! said in a statement that it respects "the family's decision to live their lives without our cameras".

Kardashian West first gained attention as a friend and stylist of Paris Hilton, although became more widely known following a leaked sex tape.

But it wasn't until after Keeping Up With The Kardashians premiered in 2007 that she truly shot to fame.

The programme initially focused on Kim and her sisters Kourtney and Khloe, but later began featuring other family members including "momager" Kris Jenner, her now-ex-husband Caitlyn Jenner, and sisters Kylie and Kendall.

Kendall, 24, and Kylie, 23, were children when the show premiered but have since become two of the most influential young people in the world.

Other famous faces have featured including Kardashian West's husband Kanye West, Khloe's ex-husband Lamar Odom and Rob Kardashian's ex-fiance Blac Chyna.

It chronicled the personal and professional lives of the family, including marriages, an armed robbery in Paris, Khloe's split with Odom and the gender transition of Caitlyn Jenner.

Responding to the news, Khloe, 36, said she was "too emotional" to sum up her feelings.

"I am so grateful and thankful to everyone who has supported us and been there through it all...

"My sappy post will come soon. Change is hard but also needed at times. I love you all. Thank you for the memories!"

Kourtney, 41, said she would "gather my thoughts" before speaking.

In recent years, the Kardashians have worked on several of their own projects.

Kylie Jenner has her own makeup line, Kylie Cosmetics, and is one of the most followed people on Instagram, with over 195 million followers.

Kardashian West has become politically active, lobbying President Donald Trump for prison reform and also starting studies to become a lawyer, following in the footsteps of her late father Robert Kardashian.