Instagram vs Instagram Lite, what are the differences?
Stories, direct messages, filters, Reels, IGTV… We are running out of time to discuss all the tools recently added by Instagram which make yours a very complete mobile application. Obviously, all of these functions directly affect the size of the Instagram app, who exceeds 30 MB.
This is not information that we should take lightly, since the weight of the application depends on whether it can be installed on your device or not. Many users who have cell phones with older operating systems and very low memory must give up using Instagram because they can't install their app.
All is not lost, as Instagram has a 'cut' version called Instagram Lite which is optimized to work on any device, even older ones. In this guide we explain what is Instagram Lite and what are his main differences with the normal Instagram app.
Learn about the main differences between Instagram and Instagram Lite.
What is Instagram Lite?
Instagram Lite is the shortened version of Instagram developed by the company for less advanced devices that cannot run the normal app. To be compatible with terminals with limited resources, Instagram Lite weighs only 3MB and has specific tools for uploading and viewing images.
Looking back, we remember that Instagram Lite was deleted by Facebook in May 2020. We didn't have to say goodbye for a long time, because the platform has launched a new version of Instagram Lite before the end of the year with a weight of only 2 MB.
New changes came to the app a few months later, for introduce a renewed Instagram Lite with a size un little larger, about 3MB, and which is available in 170 countries. It is an application with a simple interface and limited functions so that it can offer an experience mobile devices fluid with limited resources.
Do not think that using Instagram Lite will affect your presence on the social network, because you will have the most important functions of the platform. By the way, he even dark mode so that you can protect your eyesight in low light environments.
To enjoy Instagram Lite, all you need to do is download and install the app from the Google Play Store. Enter your user credentials and voila, to publish all your content without having to worry about whether your mobile is more or less advanced.
What are the differences between normal Instagram and Lite?
As we mentioned, Instagram Lite has to do without certain functions and tools to achieve its small size. It is true that the normal Instagram app and the Lite version share functions, such as the possibility of add images to your feed and Stories, discover new content in the Explore tab or see stories posted by the users you follow.
Of course, in Instagram Lite you can also edit your profile, share stories with your best friends, see posts uploaded to your stories in the past in the "Archive" section and see your favorite publications stored in "Saved". So far, the common features between Instagram and Instagram Lite, let's know the differences, which are several.
Instagram has more advanced features than Instagram Lite.
First of all, in Instagram Lite we have a simpler interface with essential menus: feed, Explore, add post, "Like" and settings. In this way, Instagram puts aside the design present in its normal application, in which the Shopping and Reels tabs take priority, and in which the comments and the “I love you” tab disappear.
It means the normal Instagram app and Instagram Lite also have the difference in the "Like" tab, where you can see follow-up requests received - if your account is private -, and comments and "likes" received on your posts. , as well as follow-up recommendations from the social network itself.
The direct messages, which are not available, constitute a major loss of Instagram Lite. Also, while uploading the posts to your feed, you won't be able to manually change settings like brightness or saturation, you will need to opt for one of the default filters if you want to change the look of the picture you are. will upload to the social network.
On the other hand, the cuts in Instagram Lite also directly affect Stories. Yes, you can download these 24 hour publications, but you will not be able to use some of its characteristic features, such as handsfree, superzoom or augmented reality filters. Also, you will not be able to add the filters during the subsequent editing process. By the way, you also won't be able to edit the Featured Stories that appear on your profile.
Finally, one difference that you can perceive between normal Instagram and Instagram Lite is loading time when you want to navigate between the different pages. However, it is something that you can easily put up with. Without further ado, we leave you some Instagram Lite screenshots so that you can see what the app looks like.
Which is better?
There is not much doubt, the normal Instagram app is a more advanced version than Instagram Lite. As we learned in the previous section, it has all the features developed for the social network, from manual setting of parameters when editing an image to Reels, to short videos so fashionable on the platform. .
If you want - and can - get the most out of Instagram, you need to download the regular app. On the other hand, we must not forget the huge utility of Instagram Lite for all users who cannot afford the best internet connection or the most modern mobile phone.
