Instagram Remove Light Version From Its Application

Instagram application illustration (Image by Webster2703 from Pixabay)

JAKARTA - About two years ago, Instagram released a light version of its application called Instagram Lite. But now, the Lite version of Instagram has been removed from the Google Play Store.

Quoted by Tech Crunch, the lightweight version that saves data quota from Instagram is no longer available in a number of countries, such as Kenya, Mexico, Peru and the Philippines, since last April. Users of this app also get a message explaining "Instagram Lite is no longer supported."

That means Instagram Lite no longer receives application updates or feature additions. This decision followed, with a request from a Facebook spokesperson advising its users to move to a new or normal version of Instagram.

"You can use the latest version of the Instagram application to stay connected with people and things you like," said an Instagram representative, Tuesday, May 12.

In fact, the Lite version of Instagram is widely used in developing countries that still use a lot of entry-level smartphones. The application size is relatively light and it is more efficient in consuming internet data, making Instagram Lite popular with many people.

Not only that, the Instagram Lite application can also be run on smartphones with potato or low specifications. Instagram Lite users can still upload photos to feeds or stories, and explore uploads in a limited manner.

Quoting Sensor Tower data, users of the application released in 2018 are quite popular with netizens. Because the size of the application is lighter and does not take up less memory capacity than the normal version.

The presence of this application is said to be Instagram's way of reaching a wider market, especially in developing countries. The same way that Instagram's parent company, Facebook, has done with the release of Facebook Lite and Messenger Lite.