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Facebook launches Instagram Lite for Nigerians

The new version, which is targeted at regions facing unstable, slow and expensive Internet connectivity, will also be rolled out in 170 other countries.

• March 19, 2021
Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg
Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg

Instagram users in Nigeria and 170 other countries, including entire Sub-Saharan Africa, now have the option of a new, lighter version of the app called Instagram Lite for Android provided by Facebook.

Facebook said in a press release Friday that the new version will consume fewer data and is suitable for all network conditions.

“The new version of Instagram Lite for Android is less than 2MB in size, making it fast to install and quick to load. It also has improved speed, performance, and responsiveness.

“Instagram Lite not only works similarly to the Instagram app for Android, but it allows the Instagram experience to remain fast and reliable for more people, no matter what device, platform and network they use,” the release noted.

Engineering Manager for Instagram Lite Peter Shin explained that it became necessary following the challenges the region faces in terms of unstable, slow and expensive connectivity.

Admitting that some features such as reels creation, shopping and IGTV are currently unavailable in the Lite version, it is however hopeful of gaining “appeal to users in locations with limited bandwidth or high data costs, especially in the developing world,” as it promises further improvements on the app for better connectivity.

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