Instagram has introduced a new feature on the platform catering to users in emerging markets with low data speeds and patchy connectivity. The feature is also intended for those who want to save on data. To reduce the amount of data used by the app, Insta users will now have an option to restrict the advance loading of videos and high-resolution images on the app.
"Instagram gets people closer to the people and things they love. The community’s power lies in visual storytelling and sharing amazing social video moments. With this data saver feature, we’re hoping for an uninterrupted Instagram experience in slow network areas, which in turn will increase people's interactions with their friends and family," Manish Chopra, Director and Head of Partnerships at Facebook India noted in a press release.
Data is fairly cheap in India, and in some cases free, the data saver feature seems a little too late to the party. However, network connectivity is still patchy and speeds are unreliable, so to some extent, the new feature could be useful for those who want to access Instagram, but do not have quality cellular connectivity. In its press note, Instagram points out that as per Ookla’s Speedtest Global index, India's mobile internet speeds dipped in the month of April 2019, to 121 from the earlier ranking of 108.
To activate the feature on Instagram, users need to go to "Settings," then "Account," then "Cellular Data Use”. Here, users will be able to enable the data saver setting and choose among three options for how Instagram will show them high-resolution media including "Never," "Wi-Fi Only," and "Cellular + Wi-Fi".
The new data saver feature on Instagram will be rolled out to Android users globally over the next few weeks.