New Version Of Instagram Just Released For Data-Strapped Travellers

Facebook has launched Instagram Lite, a version of the app that uses less data, takes up less space and starts faster.

Instagram Lite is now available for Android in the Google Play App Store.

The stripped-back version of the social media app is only 573 kilobytes, which means at 1/55th of the size of the 32-megabyte standard Instagram app, it takes up less space, starts faster and won’t eat into your data allowance.

The lite service allows users to filter and post photos to the feed or stories, watch stories and browse the explore page. Unlike the full app, users cannot share videos or direct message.

The release follows Facebook Lite in 2015, Facebook Messenger Lite in April 2018 and Uber Lite in May 2018.

As tech giants look to expand their presence in global markets, lite apps address common issues facing mobile users in nascent technology markets, including older phones with less storage space, slower network connections or data packages that remain unaffordable to many.

Lite versions may also come in handy for travellers who are on limited data packages while abroad or looking to save space on their phones for holiday snaps.

Instagram Lite began testing in Mexico and will reportedly expand to more countries and get messaging and video posting capabilities later this year.

You might also like: The 11 Most Instagrammable Spots in Europe.

About the author

Claire Lancaster

Tech & Entrepreneurship Editor

English-American, Claire has lived and worked in the U.S., South America, Europe and the UK. As Culture Trip’s tech and entrepreneurship editor she covers the European startup scene and issues ranging from Internet privacy to the intersection of the web with civil society, journalism, public policy and art. Claire holds a master’s in international journalism from City University, London and has contributed to outlets including Monocle, NPR, Public Radio International and the BBC World Service. When not writing or travelling, she can be found searching for London's best brunch spot or playing with her cat, Diana Ross.