If you’re using the internet on the go, Instagram will probably be among the top daily applications. Thanks to endless reels and memes on Instagram feeds popping up whenever we open the application.
There is nothing to worry about if you’re using Instagram on your Wi-Fi. But it could turn into your worst nightmare if you watch these memes and reels on your mobile data. Guess why?
In the blink of an eye, you’ll run short of data because Instagram doesn’t stop eating away your cellular data. If this made you concerned, let’s show you how much data Instagram uses so you can plan your bundle accordingly.
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How Much Data Does Instagram Use?
Instagram doesn’t stop consuming your data since so much is happening on the platform. After all, reels have become popular Instagram content, leading to ever-increasing data usage.
A test conducted to determine Instagram usage reveals that an iPhone consumed 31.5 MB of data within five minutes of Instagram usage. This usage included watching reels, a few posts, and a bunch of stories.
If we do the math, 378 MB of data will be consumed within one hour of Instagram usage. The exact number could, however, vary depending on your use. Roughly, you should be prepared to lose 400-500 MB of data within an hour of constant Instagram usage.
Whoops! This is too much to be consumed within one hour, and if it continues, you’ll finish your monthly mobile bundle within days.
How Much Data Does Uploading Photos and Videos to Instagram Use?
Uploading photos on Instagram consumes about 2 MB of data. In comparison, the data consumption for uploading a quick video story on Instagram consumes around 8MB. The picture quality on Instagram is constantly improving; therefore, you can expect the usage to go up in the future.
If you are a content creator who constantly uploads stuff on Instagram, you’ll start edging toward the limits of your data plan.
Viewing photos on Instagram takes a lesser chunk of your data. 1 Megabyte of data is sufficient for 40 images, but guess what? You can reach that quickly, given the inflow of images on Instagram.
Photos are not the only thing you’ll see on Instagram. There are also Instagram videos that range from 3 to 60 seconds of video clips. Launching Instagram stories and snapshots is a great value addition to the platform’s usage.
All this provides value but also means more data consumption, for which you’ll need data bundles with higher volumes!
How to Check Instagram Data Usage
Wondering how much data you’ve used on Instagram? Fortunately, your phone can show you Instagram’s data usage in just a few steps, even if you’re unsure how many posts you’ve scrolled past or stories you’ve uploaded this month. Here’s how you can check:
Checking Instagram Data Usage on iPhone
- Open Settings, then select Cellular.
- Scroll down to find Instagram and tap it.
- Under Current Period, you’ll see the data usage. Keep in mind, this doesn’t automatically reset each month.
- To reset it, scroll to the bottom of the Cellular menu and select Reset Statistics.
- If your last reset was 60 days ago, the data usage shown will cover the last 60 days (so approximately double what you would use in a single month).
Checking Instagram Data Usage on Android
- Open Settings and select Apps.
- Tap Instagram.
- Under Usage, you’ll find the amount of mobile data Instagram has used on your phone.
Note: The steps may vary slightly depending on your phone model, so refer to your user manual if needed.
Now you know how to track your Instagram data usage and keep it in check. Remember, while Instagram might be the app you use most, other activities like streaming music, watching YouTube, browsing the web, using Google Maps, and Netflix also consume data. If you’re curious about how much, check out our blog on MB, GB, and data usage for those activities.
How to Lower your use of Data on Instagram
If you want to lower your Instagram data usage, you must deactivate preload option, connect to free Wi-Fi, switch off mobile data when idle, and turn off your notifications.
You should also avoid uploading stuff on Instagram when using mobile data. Instead, wait for a Wi-Fi connection to be available so you can upload those lengthy videos.
Let’s dive into these actions in detail.
4 Ways to Reduce Data Usage on Instagram
We already know how much data Instagram uses. Honestly, it is too much if you rely on mobile data most of the time. This may cost huge if you want month-long connectivity.
But certainly, some steps can help you reduce data usage while browsing Instagram on your mobile. We’ve included data-saving methods for Instagram and Android, so you are covered if you’re on either side of the platform.
Let’s start with the first step of the journey.
Deactivate the Preload Option
Deactivating the preload option on Instagram saves you a lot of data. Preload works by loading the upcoming queue videos to keep you loading time. However, this wastes a lot of MBs if you are on mobile data.
Follow these simple steps to deactivate the preload option:
Go to your settings > > Account > Scroll Down to Cellular Data Use > Click on use less Data > Turn on Data Saver.
This will stop the videos from pre-loading when using cellular data but will work fine when you have a Wi-Fi connection. This option doesn’t affect video quality, so you can continue to enjoy the best browsing experience on Instagram. However, the images will load slower, which could be irritating initially.
Connect to Free Wi-Fi
When it is public, look for open Wi-Fi connections to save data from your mobile bundle.
Instagram is a time-killing and entertainment application. When waiting for someone in a restaurant or airport lounge, you can log in and catch up on the latest developments or funny reels one of your friends might’ve shared.
However, this can drain all your data if you are on mobile internet. The best way to overcome this problem is to look for open Wi-Fi connections so you can save your data. However, be mindful of hackers, and connect only to the secured Wi-Fi.
Ensure your device doesn’t automatically, so you can differentiate between secure and vulnerable internet connections.
Switch Off Mobile Data when the Phone is Idle
Turn off mobile data when you’re not using the phone, so your mobile bundle lasts for its duration. Most of us are so occupied with our daily activities that we forget to manage our devices. Leaving your phone unattended can drain all your data.
The apps continue to run in the background; therefore, they consume all your data even when you aren’t using them. This is true for applications such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
To avoid this, try turning off your mobile data to eliminate unnecessary data drain.
Most of us scroll through social applications at night. When done, we put the mobile phones aside without turning on the internet. This is completely fine if you are on a Wi-Fi connection. However, your worst nightmare could be leaving the phone aside while the data is on.
Also Read: Should I Leave Mobile Data on all the Time – User Guide 2023
Turn Your Notifications Off
Turning off Instagram notifications is another great way of saving data. Every little notification, even the ones you do not want, should not pop on your notification bar. This diverts your attention and consumes data from your mobile bundle.
We all use Instagram for entertainment and to catch up with our friends. This means we can wait until we are free to check and sign into the account for the latest happenings.
For this reason, we can turn off Instagram notifications to avoid data drain. Also, the mystery of not knowing what is happening around you and coming later to check is a beautiful and exciting factor about Instagram.
Interesting Read: Everything You Need to Know About Instagram Parental Controls
Prevent Uploads from Gallery
Did you know Instagram saves every picture you post to your camera roll? This consumes data for every upload, which goes in vain. This feature is helpful for saving your edited images, but only on Wi-Fi.
If you constantly rely on mobile data, try turning off this feature to prevent useless data drain. To do so, go to your profile > Settings > Account > Scroll Down to Original Posts > Turn off Save original posts.
Also, try capturing videos from your camera because Instagram camera consumes a lot of MBs. However, if you require to upload a video on Instagram, you should directly shoot it from an Instagram camera.
Find a SIM card Offering More Data for Less
Now that we understand Instagram’s data usage better, finding a SIM card plan that offers ample data at an affordable price is your only Choice.
Talk Home Mobile provides six plans with generous data allowances that can last a month without causing data shortages.
By opting for a SIM card with more data, you can enjoy your Instagram experience without worrying about exceeding your limits.
Compare different SIM card providers and plans to find the best value for your money. Look for offers that provide more data for a lower price and additional perks, such as unlimited social media usage or data rollover.
Check the network coverage of the SIM card provider to ensure a reliable connection wherever you go. Also, consider the 5G coverage map of service providers within the United Kingdom. Talk Home Mobile has already launched its 5G coverage within 16 different cities across the United Kingdom.
Bottom Line
This blog discusses Instagram data consumption. Roughly, it consumes around 3 to 4 GB of data within an hour which is too much. You can do nothing about it except try these four ways to reduce data usage on Instagram.
Lowering your data usage on Instagram will suffice for your monthly or weekly bundles, so you stay connected without running short of your MBs. However, if you’ve tried all four ways to reduce data usage, & you’re still running short of data.
The only option is to look for a service provider that gives you comprehensive data. Here we’ve discussed different Talk Home Mobile plans, which can last a month. The plans from talk home mobile provide you with freedom and true flexibility to control.
With no contract plans, you can change your provider whenever you wish. Secondly, this service provider also allows you to port in your number. This option is helpful since it lets you switch your service provider without changing your number.
