Dylan Ray
04 Aug 2025
As you all know about Instagram, everyone has a concern: How much data do you use with Instagram?
Everyone knows that Instagram never compromises on content quality. The pictures are high-definition, and the videos are stunning. This is all possible due to the data it uses. Whether you are using mobile data or Wi-Fi, Instagram utilizes a large amount of data.
This guide will provide a breakdown of Instagram’s data usage per minute, hour, and month. It will also explain how to reduce Instagram data consumption without sacrificing hours of fun.
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It depends on how you are using your app. To understand it in a much better way, let me share Instagram’s data usage chart as per the activities:
That’s how much data you are consuming while performing these activities. For example, if you scroll for one hour daily, Instagram will utilize 3 - 5 GBs of mobile data per month. For users who are going live, watching videos, and posting stories, data usage can go up to 10 GB per month.
While you are using Instagram, some factors affect how much data you use on Instagram:
The Instagram settings adjust the video settings according to your internet speed and device settings. If the video quality is high, Instagram will consume more data.
You have heard about the background app running option. Even when you are inactive on Instagram, the app still uses data to refresh your feed or download content. Like Instagram, Spotify consumes data in the background - Learn how to manage both.
Instagram defaults to autoplay videos. The more you scroll through a video feed, the more data you consume.
When you scroll, Instagram preloads images and videos that use up extra data, whether you watch them or not.
Don’t know how to check and track Instagram data usage and worried about excessive data usage? Follow these steps to take a peek at data usage:
Managing your data usage is a good move that will benefit you in the long shot. The following are effective ways to lower Instagram data consumption:
It's the most fabulous option ever. Your device offers you data saver mode to get control over data consumption, and here is how you can do it:
If you are scrolling through the Instagram feed, try turning on Wi-Fi. This way, you can avoid excessive mobile data usage while watching videos, reels, and stories.
There is another version of Instagram on the App Store. Download Instagram Lite to reduce Data consumption as the app is designed for it.
This will stop Instagram from refreshing the background, and you can lower your data consumption.
That depends on how much time you are spending on the app. The monthly data usage can be:
If you are subscribed to limited data plans, you can switch to Wifi or eSIM for unlimited data usage while using Instagram.
Instagram is sure an addictive app, and if you are a regular Instagrammer, try to upgrade to mobile data plans like:
If you are looking for affordable and flexible data plans without heavy roaming charges, eSIM is your best alternative. It will also benefit traveling, as you can stay connected by posting photos on Instagram. With eSIM for Instagram users, you won't have to worry about data overages.
So, how much data do you use with Instagram? Now you know how to stop burning through your mobile data. You can Turn on Data Saver Mode, Disable Autoplay for Videos & Reels, Switch to Wifi, Check app usage daily, and Buy an eSIM for unlimited, fast internet.
Yes, you can use Instagram on Wi-Fi, and if you have saved your content, you can also use it offline.
Instagram will stop refreshing and loading content until you subscribe to a data package or switch to Wifi.
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