Instagram has announced an enormous update which could turn it into a Facebook-style popularity contest.

The app has vowed to show users "the moments we believe you care about the most", with posts sorted according to the "likelihood you’ll be interested in the content, your relationship with the person posting and the timeliness of the post".

But fans are worried this could mean that the most "liked" images are given priority, which could turn photo feeds into a non-stop carousel of Kardashian pics and shots of happy celebs enjoying their holidays.

It wrote: "As we begin, we’re focusing on optimizing the order — all the posts will still be there, just in a different order.

"If your favorite musician shares a video from last night’s concert, it will be waiting for you when you wake up, no matter how many accounts you follow or what time zone you live in.

"And when your best friend posts a photo of her new puppy, you won’t miss it."

Predictably, lots of selfie lovers were furious about the "terrible news".

Many took to Twitter and used the hashtag #RIPInstagram to share their rage.

Why do social networks think they can choose what I want to see? Please stop. #RIPInstagram and your glorious chronological feed.

— Kyah Skavinski (@kyskav) March 16, 2016

I follow people because I want their updates, in chronological order. I don't want you to choose who I see first, @instagram. #RIPInstagram

— Sarah Dolislager (@sarahdolislager) March 16, 2016

I'm going to start my own social network and just call it "real life". See you there, friends! #RIPInstagram

— Alexandra Sklar (@AlexandraSklar) March 16, 2016