Facebook announced the global launch of a new Instagram Lite app. First tested in selected countries in 2018, the new version of the Android app will be available in more than 170 countries to start.

It offers a much smaller footprint than the standard Instagram app (2 MB vs 30 MB) and reduced data usage for customers in markets where internet costs may still be high and phones less advanced.

A Facebook Lite app is available already, and this sees the company bring a similar experience to Instagram.

Certain features have been left out, like shopping, or adapted, like scaled back graphics, in order to make the app more accessible for internet users in emerging markets.

With a focus on the core features of video and messaging, the Instagram Lite will be available globally soon.

On the standard Instagram app, Facebook has also been introducing new features. These include Live Rooms, expanding the possibilities for live broadcasts to add up to three additional people from just one other on a live stream previously.

In India, the company also started testing the ability to share Instagram Reels on Facebook. Facebook users will receive recommendations to look at the short-form videos on public accounts on Instagram.

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By: Telecom Paper