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Instagram Lite launched for users in developing world
The "Lite" version of Instagram, so called as it is 1/55th the size of Instagram’s main app, at 573 kilobytes, has been released.
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The 'Lite' version of Instagram, so called as it is 1/55th the size of Instagram’s main app, at 573 kilobytes, has been released. (Shutterstock/Stanislaw Mikulski)
Instagram surprisingly dropped a “Lite” version of its app with no announcement today.
“The Instagram Lite app is small, allowing you to save space on your phone and download it quickly,” the description in Google Play Store reads.
Instagram Lite, which is currently only available for Android devices, is 1/55th the size of Instagram’s main app, at 573 kilobytes. Still, users will be able to post photos to their feed, share and watch Stories, and browse the Explore page, but they won’t be able to share videos or direct message friends. It has also not yet been revealed if ads will be included.
Read also: Instagram Usage Insight feature shows how much time spent on app
This, in combination with its desktop site, addresses issues among users in the developing world who want to use Instagram but might have older phones with less storage space or slower network connections. This then has the potential to boost Instagram beyond its recent milestone of 1 billion users.
When approached by TechCrunch for comment, an Instagram spokesperson confirmed that Instagram Lite began testing in Mexico this week. “We are testing a new version of Instagram for Android that takes up less space on your device, uses less data, and starts faster.”
Instagram Lite is set to make its debut in more countries later this year. (sul/wng)
