Scrolling through Instagram on mobile data? You’re not alone. Whether you’re watching Stories, uploading Reels, or simply browsing your feed, Instagram can burn through data fast especially if you’re not connected to Wi-Fi. But how much data does Instagram actually use in 2025?
In this guide, we’ll break down Instagram’s data usage by activity, show you how to check it on your device, and give you smart tips to cut down mobile data usage. If you’re traveling or on a tight plan, these tips can save you both data and money.
What does affect Instagram’s data usage?
Instagram is a visual-heavy app. High-resolution photos, autoplaying videos, and looping Reels all contribute to significant data usage. To make the experience seamless, Instagram even preloads content in the background, meaning it can use data without you realizing it.
Key factors that influence data usage:
- Video quality (HD vs SD)
- Autoplay settings
- Instagram app version
- Background activity
- Mobile vs Wi-Fi
How much data does Instagram use per activity?
Here’s an estimated breakdown of Instagram’s data usage per hour:
| Activity | Estimated Data Usage per Hour |
| Browsing Feed | 120 – 160 MB |
| Watching Stories | 150 – 200 MB |
| Watching Reels or IGTV | 250 – 300 MB |
| Live Streaming (viewer) | 400 – 600 MB |
| Uploading a Photo | 1 – 5 MB per photo |
| Uploading a Video | 8 – 20 MB per minute |
Note: Instagram doesn’t display in-app data usage. You’ll need to check your device settings to monitor it.
Real-World Example
Let’s say your daily usage looks like this:
- 30 minutes of Reels → ~150 MB
- 20 minutes browsing Feed → ~60 MB
- 10 minutes of Stories → ~50 MB
Total = ~260 MB per day → Over 7.5 GB per month if done on mobile data.
How can you check your Instagram data usage?
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Mobile Data
- Scroll to Instagram
- See data used since the last reset
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Mobile Network > App Data Usage
- Tap Instagram
- Set data warnings or limits if needed
Not sure how much data you’ll need abroad? Read our guide on how much data do I need for travel.
How to reduce your Instagram data usage
Enable “Data Saver” Mode
Instagram includes a built-in option to save data:
- Go to Profile > ☰ Menu > Settings and Privacy > Media Quality
- Enable “Use Less Mobile Data”
This will reduce preloading and lower media quality when you’re on mobile.
Limit upload quality of your Instagram feed
HD videos and high-res photos can eat up your data.
- Keep uploads under HD resolution when using mobile data
- Avoid posting long Reels or Lives unless on Wi-Fi
Turn off auto-play for videos
Autoplay is a silent data drainer.
- On Android: Settings > Media > Data Usage > Autoplay > Never Autoplay Videos
- On iPhone: Turn on Low Data Mode (auto-play can’t be fully disabled)
Download stories & reels in advance
Going on a trip? Download or save posts ahead:
- Screen record or save Reels (when legally allowed)
- Use Wi-Fi to load Stories before viewing
For more general advice, check our article on how much data does YouTube use.
Avoid roaming fees with an eSIM
Streaming Instagram on mobile roaming can cost you big. Just 30 minutes of Reels abroad could cost €5 to €10, depending on your provider.
Smart alternatives:
- Use a travel eSIM like eSIM Japan from Orange Travel
- Connect to trusted Wi-Fi hotspots
- Use a local SIM card
- Subscribe to an international data roaming plan
Still not sure what kind of plan fits your usage? Our article on how much internet data do I need can help.
Instagram vs Other Apps: A Quick Comparison
How does Instagram stack up against other platforms?
| App | Approx. Data Usage per Hour |
| 150 – 300 MB | |
| TikTok | 250 – 350 MB |
| YouTube (720p) | 500 MB |
| 100 – 150 MB | |
| Spotify | 40 – 100 MB |
| Twitter (X) | 60 – 90 MB |
| 30 – 70 MB |
Instagram remains one of the most data-hungry apps, mainly due to Reels and video autoplay.
FAQs About Instagram Data Usage
How much data does Instagram use per hour?
Between 120 MB and 300 MB, depending on the activity.
Does Instagram use more data than TikTok?
Slightly less but it’s close. TikTok’s longer videos may consume more.
Does Instagram use background data?
Yes. It preloads content and receives updates, even when not in use.
How can I make Instagram use less data?
Use Data Saver, disable autoplay, and switch to Wi-Fi when possible.
Can I use Instagram without mobile data?
Yes! If you’re connected to Wi-Fi, you can browse, upload, and even livestream.
