How much data do you use with Instagram, and how can you reduce it?

With more than 2 billion active users around the globe, Instagram is by far the world's most popular image and video-sharing social media platform. But how much data does Instagram use? And how many megabytes (or gigabytes) do you need to browse the feed, enjoy reels, and upload pictures without spending too much of your mobile data? Let's find out.

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9 min read

How much data do you use with Instagram, and how can you reduce it?

How much data does Instagram use?

The amount of data Instagram uses mostly depends on the user. If you visit the platform and post pictures (be it in stories or on your feed) daily, you'll naturally need more mobile data. Likewise, those who are more passive scrollers will have lower data usage. 

Another factor that strongly influences the amount of data you use on Instagram is how you use it. While browsing the feed may create the lowest data drain, uploading high-quality content (such as videos) will gulp your data down like an iced drink on a hot summer day. 

When it comes to numbers, the exact amount of data Instagram uses is tricky to define. However, it's possible to draw the ballpark of Instagram data usage. Here are the approximate numbers of Instagram data usage based on the user's activity.

Browsing the Instagram feed data usage

Browsing your Instagram feed typically drains around 1.5 to 3 MB per minute. The exact amount is often difficult to define because the feed contains pictures and videos, which consume different amounts of cellular data (videos being the heavier data drainers).

Watching Instagram videos, reels, and stories data usage

Instagram reels and videos can consume up to about 5-10 MB per minute, depending on the content type and length (and whether the autoplay is on). Instagram stories, on the other hand, typically consume around 1-2 MB per story (about 6-12 MB per minute), although this number can jump up to 7 MB if the story is a high-quality video. You can also reset statistics in your settings and watch an Instagram video to get more accurate results.

Uploading photos and videos Instagram data usage

Uploading pictures and video content on Instagram is the biggest data drainer overall. Some sources indicate that uploading a picture to your Instagram profile can consume around 2 to 4 MB. Meanwhile, video uploads may eat up to 15 MB or more. The reason for this increase in data usage lies in the fact that many modern devices capture high quality content, which in turn takes up more space on your device and requires more data to upload to your Instagram account.

General Instagram data usage

Overall, an hour of intense Instagram browsing (including surfing the feed, watching reels, and engaging with stories) can use 500-600 MB of data. Here’s a breakdown of how that looks based on your activity on the platform.

Instagram activity

Amount of data consumed per hour

Time it would take for activity to consume 1GB of data

Amount of data consumed per picture/video upload

Amount of pictures/videos it would take to consume 1 GB of data

Browsing feed

~ 100-180 MB

~ 5.5 to 10 hours

-

-

Watching reels and videos

~ 300-600 MB

~1.5 to 3 hours

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-

Watching stories

~ 360-720 MB

~1.5 to 3 hours

-

-

Using Instagram (including watching reels, browsing stories, and refreshing the feed)

~ 500-600 MB

~ 1.5 to 2 hours

-

-

Uploading pictures

-

-

~ 2-4 MB

~ 256-512 pictures

Uploading videos

-

-

~ 8-15 MB

~ 68-128 videos

Note: Instagram data usage numbers may vary based on individual habits, content quality, and app settings.

Compared to Facebook’s data usage, Instagram seems to be a significantly bigger data hog. Meanwhile, when it comes to TikTok’s data usage, both platforms appear to be on par with their mobile data consumption rates.

How to monitor Instagram data usage with iOS and Android

While Instagram doesn’t provide an in-app feature to monitor data usage directly, you can check that information via your iOS or Android device’s settings. Here’s how to do it.

iOS devices

To check how much data Instagram uses on your iOS device, navigate to the “Settings” app. Then:

  1. Tap on “Mobile service.”

    How to monitor Instagram data usage with iOS: step 1
  2. Scroll to “Instagram.” Look for the number written just below the app name.

    How to monitor Instagram data usage with iOS: step 2

Android devices

To check how much data Instagram uses on your Android device, navigate to the device’s settings. 

  1. Go to “Apps.”

    How to monitor Instagram data usage with Android: step 1
  2. Find “Instagram.” 

    How to monitor Instagram data usage with Android: step 2
  3. For more specific statistics, tap on the app and find “Mobile data” (under “Usage”). Tap on it, and you’ll be able to check your monthly Instagram data usage.

    How to monitor Instagram data usage with Android: step 3
    How to monitor Instagram data usage with Android: step 4

How to decrease the data usage when using Instagram

If you want to reduce your Instagram data usage, the obvious choice would be to use the app less, right? Wrong! While technically, that would solve the issue, why rob yourself of the joy Instagram gives you if you can use different methods and achieve similar results? Here are some alternatives to reduce data usage while using Instagram.

Enable data saver mode

Enabling data saver mode on your Instagram account disables video preloading and reduces image quality. You can access and turn it on by visiting your Instagram settings and finding “Data usage and media quality” under “Your app and media.”

How to enable data saver mode: step 1

Tapping on the feature will take you to the "Cellular data settings" page. To enable data saver mode, just toggle "Data saver" on, and you'll be all set!

How to enable data saver mode: step 2

Disable high-quality uploads and high-resolution media

Another way to reduce data usage on Instagram is to disable high-quality uploads. This setting is on Instagram's “Cellular data settings” page (the same as the data saver).

Android users can also disable high-resolution media by tapping on “High resolution media” on the same setting page. After that, select “Wi-Fi only” or “Never” to restrict high-resolution media loading. Keep in mind that you can only do that when the data saver toggle is on.

How to disable high-quality uploads and high-resolution media: step 1
How to disable high-quality uploads and high-resolution media: step 2

Use Instagram Lite (for Android only)

Instagram Lite is another option for Android users who want to reduce their Instagram data usage. The app is designed to take up less space and provide faster performance on slower networks, which makes it a great choice for those looking to save some megabytes. However, Instagram Lite may lack more advanced filters and features, such as the Instagram shop function. Moreover, the app is available only in specific countries (such as the U.S.).

How to use Instagram Lite for Android

Use Wi-Fi networks

Finally, using a Wi-Fi network is the simplest way to use Instagram without losing any cellular data. Wi-Fi is a great substitute for mobile internet, especially when doing data-intensive activities, such as watching videos (or reels) or uploading media. In addition, using Wi-Fi can help you save some mobile data and potentially avoid extra roaming costs when traveling. Of course, when using Wi-Fi in public, avoid open networks (malicious actors may lurk on them, waiting to intercept your browsing data). However, if you must connect to an open Wi-Fi hotspot, use a VPN to safeguard your online connection. 

Get an eSIM and use Instagram abroad without international roaming fees

The world's full of ”Instagrammable” sights worthy of your feed. However, you need a reliable internet connection to post them, which may be a pricey luxury while traveling abroad. To avoid tinkering with physical SIMs or spending money on expensive roaming charges, consider using Saily — a pocket-friendly eSIM service. With Saily, you can pick an eSIM data plan that best suits your needs without paying through the nose or wasting your time in SIM stores. All you need to do is download the Saily app, pick your plan, and activate the eSIM.

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FAQ

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    saily blog author lukas t
    Lukas Tamašiūnas

    Lukas is the mental prisoner of the song "Orinoco Flow," which plays in his head every time he hears the word "Saily." However, that doesn't stop him from wanting to share his knowledge about connecting to the internet via eSIM — even if his current phone doesn't support it.