Facebook launches Instagram Lite in 170 more countries

Facebook has launched a ‘Lite’ version of Instagram in 170 countries in the poor internet areas. The new version of Instagram Lite will be available for Android-based phones and require less bandwidth than the traditional version.

The app itself requires just 2 megabytes (MB) – versus 30 MB for Instagram – and runs even on slower 2G networks, allowing customers in parts of India, Africa, Asia, and Latin America with older internet infrastructure to access the service.

“It uses a lot less data so if you have a small data package you are not going to run out when you use the service. But the aim is for us to give the same breadth of experience you get on Instagram,” said Tzach Hadar, director of product management at Facebook in Tel Aviv, where the app was largely developed.

He noted that other than TV and reels – for creating and sharing short video clips – Instagram Lite retained most key features of Instagram.