Instagram update to mobile site gives users a reason to delete the app
Switching to the web version of the social network can help users save battery, data and storage
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Instagram has updated the mobile version of its website, giving users a reason to delete the app.
The biggest new feature of Instagram’s mobile site is the ability to post pictures.
Previously, it only offered basic functionality, such as browsing updates, liking posts, following users and checking notifications.
It’s also added a lightweight version of the Explore tab, which recommends accounts and posts it thinks you might be interested in, based on your previous activity.
“Instagram.com (accessed from mobile) is a web experience optimized for mobile phones,” the company told TechCrunch.
“It’s designed to help people have a fuller experience on Instagram no matter what device or network they are on.”
The update is primarily designed to help the company attract more users in developing markets, but could also prove useful to existing users.
Owners of phones with limited storage could free up some much-needed space by deleting the app, and users can also dodge the data costs that come with downloading the app in the first place, and having to keep it updated.
Deleting the app could also help users save battery life.
According to a report released by AVG Technologies last summer, Instagram is the fourth most-draining Android app, behind Facebook, Google Maps and Messenger.
However, despite the upgrade, the mobile site is still missing a pair of the app’s core features.
Instagram’s famous filters are missing, and the mobile site doesn’t allow users to upload videos.
The desktop version of the site, however, hasn’t been treated to the same update, but users can get around this and upload photos through Instagram’s Windows 10 app.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments