How Much Data Does Instagram Use
How Much Data Does Instagram Use?
Instagram uses mobile data or Wi-Fi to load photos, videos, Reels, Stories, and ads. Every piece of content is streamed from Meta’s servers in real time, whether you're browsing or posting.
The app is heavily visual, and with more users watching video content than ever, Instagram can burn through data quickly. On average, Instagram uses about 1 to 2GB of data per hour during typical use. This includes browsing your feed, watching Stories, exploring Reels, and occasionally uploading content.
How Much Data Does Instagram Use Per Hour?
Your data usage depends on what you're doing inside the app. Here's a rough estimate:
- Browsing photos and Stories: 400 to 700MB per hour
- Mixed use (Stories, Reels, Explore tab): 1 to 2GB per hour
- Heavy use (autoplay Reels, live videos, uploads): 2 to 3GB per hour
Instagram preloads videos and photos in the background, so even if you don’t interact with a post, data may still be used. Reels and Lives in particular can spike data usage quickly.
Why Instagram Uses So Much Data
Several features contribute to Instagram’s high data consumption:
- Videos autoplay by default in Reels, Stories, and the main feed
- Images load in high resolution, often before you scroll to them
- Reels and Lives use more bandwidth than regular posts
- Content is preloaded to keep scrolling smooth
- Uploads, especially HD videos or Stories with filters, consume large amounts of data
How to Check Your Instagram Data Usage
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Cellular
- Scroll to Instagram to view total data used
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile network > App data usage
- Tap Instagram for a breakdown
You can also track data through your mobile provider or apps like GlassWire or My Data Manager.
How to Reduce Instagram Data Usage
A few quick settings can help control your usage:
1. Turn On Instagram’s Data Saver
This reduces video and image quality when you're not on Wi-Fi.
- Open Instagram
- Go to Profile > Menu > Settings > Account > Cellular Data Use
- Turn on Data Saver
2. Disable High-Quality Uploads
In the same menu, disable Upload at Highest Quality to avoid using extra data when posting.
3. Avoid Reels and Lives on Mobile Data
These are the most data-heavy features. Try saving them for when you're on Wi-Fi.
4. Use Low Data Mode on Your Phone
This system-wide setting limits background data and helps with video autoplay.
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Low Data Mode
- Android: Settings > Network & Internet > Data Saver > On
5. Preload Content on Wi-Fi
Load the content you want to view later while connected to Wi-Fi. Saved posts and Stories can often be watched again without using extra data.
Using Instagram While Traveling Without Burning Data
Instagram is more than a social app while traveling. You use it to find restaurants, explore travel tags, follow creators in your destination, and document your trip. But all of that comes at a cost if you're on mobile data.
Every scroll, Story, or Reel could eat into your travel plan, especially if you're using your home SIM with roaming turned on.
Tips for Data-Smart Instagram Use While Abroad
- Always connect to Wi-Fi before opening the app
- Limit your time in Reels and Explore
- Enable Data Saver in the app
- Set your phone to Low Data Mode
- Switch to a travel eSIM to avoid roaming charges
Try Instagram Abroad with 500MB Free from Eskimo eSIM
Eskimo eSIM gives you flexible, affordable data in over 80 countries with no SIM swaps or roaming fees. Install once and you’re good to go.
Sign up and get 500MB of free global data to test it out. That gives you:
- 45 to 60 minutes of scrolling with Data Saver on
- 15 to 30 minutes of Reels or uploads in standard quality
Perfect for checking destination guides, browsing food spots, or posting your own travel updates. Claim your free 500MB with Eskimo eSIM. No roaming. No hidden fees. Just travel-ready data that works where you go.
FAQs
Does Instagram use more data than Facebook?
Yes. Instagram leans more heavily on video and high-res images, which consume more data per minute than Facebook.
Does watching the same Story again use more data?
Yes, unless it’s fully cached on your device. Rewatching videos can use additional data unless viewed offline.
Can I use Instagram offline?
You can view cached content, but most features, including Reels, Explore, and posting, require an active connection.
Can I stop videos from autoplaying?
Instagram doesn’t let you fully disable autoplay, but enabling Data Saver and Low Data Mode can help reduce video loading on mobile data.