'Fast, reliable, and responsive': Instagram Lite being tested in India as low data app

Instagram on December 15 anunced that it is testing new ‘lite’ version app in India for a global launch for its Android users that weighs less than 2MB. Speaking at "Facebook Fuel For India" virtual event, Vishal Shah, Vice President of Product Instagram at Facebook said that photo-sharing platform will “gain valuable user insights” about new “fast, reliable, and responsive” version of app which does t support reels, Shopping and IGTV. 

Before making it a global product, Instagram has rolled out app for testing user experience in India. According to sources of PTI, tech giant also anunced that it will be launching Instagram’s own edition of ‘Born on Instagram’ creator programme in India to collaborate with content creators and mentors.  app is w available for download on Google play store. IG had earlier launched Reels, Reels tab, and Live Rooms as a test feature. Instagram has made LITE version available in Bangla, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu langus.

“India is an important market for us and has been a testing ground for invation, India was one of first few countries where we tested Reels, and first country where we launched Reels tab,” PTI quoted Shah as saying. He added, “In order to expand appeal of Instagram to users across country, today we're anuncing test of Instagram Lite in India.” According to IG, LITE app has been designed to keep data us in mind. app aims to provide a high-quality experience by consuming low data and effective browsing. A similar version of app exists for Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter already. 

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Aiming for 'democratise expression'

'Born on Instagram' programme was created due to creativity company is seeing across India. "We also see a lot of trends emerging in India. For example, we saw a huge increase in people going to Live toger on Instagram, especially during pandemic. That is why India is one of first countries where we launched Live rooms where w up to four people can go live toger on Instagram," Shah explained. He emphasized that with a test of Instagram Lite, and next edition of Born on Instagram, firm is aiming to “democratise expression and creativity.”

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