Facebook’s Instagram Lite app reboot is just 2MB in size

Dimapur, March 10 (EMN): Facebook has relaunched Instagram Lite, a lighter version of the popular social media platform, today and it is only 2MB in size.

According to an official blog post by Facebook, Instagram Lite has been developed by Facebook developers based in Tel Aviv. Facebook has revealed that the new Instagram Lite app has been specifically designed for emerging markets like India and Brazil where users “do not possess the most up-to-date mobile devices, robust internet networks, or affordable data plans needed for the swift delivery of the data-rich videos and images found on Instagram.”

“Our teams build these lightweight versions of our apps for people with low connectivity or limited data plans because our basic premise is to leave no one behind,” said Tzach Hadar, Director of Product Management at Facebook Tel Aviv. “We wanted the Instagram experience to remain fast, high-quality and reliable, irrespective of the device, platform and network people are on,” he added.

Instagram Lite will have features like main feed and Instagram Stories but sadly, IG Live and shopping would not be available for users. Furthermore, animations will be toned down and live filters and other AR effects won’t work either due to the low-specs that entry-level devices usually have.

Facebook has also made UI changes like changing the icon of the delete option from a trash can to a traditional X icon. However, Instagram Lite users will be able to use GIFs and stickers. The team has also confirmed that they are working on a ‘Dark Mode‘ feature for the app.

It may be mentioned that Facebook had previously taken off the first version of the Instagram Lite app from the Google Play Store inventory in May 2020.

Instagram Lite will be available to download from the Google Play Store in more than 170 countries starting today.