Meta introduced Instagram Lite in 2020 as a streamlined version of its popular photo and video sharing platform, specifically designed for users with limited internet access or devices. After an initial launch, it was relaunched a year later and is now available in 170 countries worldwide. The standard Instagram app is quite demanding, often exceeding 400MB on iOS and over 100MB on Android. In contrast, Instagram Lite is exclusively for Android and boasts a much smaller footprint. While it allows for basic photo and video sharing, it does come with certain feature limitations. If you’re considering which version is right for you, let’s explore how these two apps compare.
App Size and Platform Support
One of the most significant differences lies in their size and availability. The Instagram Lite app is remarkably compact, taking up only about 3.2MB on the Google Play Store. The full Instagram app, however, is substantially larger, typically around 102MB for Android devices. Furthermore, while the comprehensive Instagram experience is offered on both iOS and Android, the Lite version is exclusively available for Android smartphones.
Core Features
The full Instagram app provides a rich suite of features, allowing users to share photos and upload both short-form (Reels) and longer videos. You can engage with ephemeral Stories and Notes that vanish after 24 hours – with Stories appearing on the home feed and Notes in the Messages tab. It also offers the ability to create a ‘Close Friends’ list for exclusive Story sharing, host live sessions to interact with followers, and enhance Stories with music and stickers.
While Instagram Lite includes many of these core functionalities, it notably omits certain key features. For instance, Instagram Live is not available. Additionally, the IGTV experience is limited, implying restrictions on both posting and viewing extensive long-form video content.
Choosing the Right Instagram for You
Deciding between Instagram Lite and the full Instagram app ultimately comes down to your individual preferences, how you intend to use the app, and your phone’s specifications. Instagram Lite is ideal for users facing storage limitations on their devices or those who frequently deal with unreliable or slow internet connections, making it a practical choice for a basic social media experience.
Conversely, if you’re a content creator who relies on features like Instagram Live to interact with your audience, or if you enjoy consuming or creating extensive long-form video content, the full Instagram app will better meet your requirements. It offers the complete feature set necessary for a more robust and interactive experience.