Instagram App Launches Its Offline Mode Only For Android Users; Features and Details

Instagram, the Facebook-owned company is looking to address mobile date problems across the platform by adding an offline mode which now begun testing being an Android app. It was recently announced at the Facebook F8 developer conference that the offline mode works by downloading content over a data connection when the user is online and storing photos post, available when the app is offline.

According to Engadget, the preload is available on the main Instagram feed. The user must only explore their tab along with their profile and those profiles that have been recently visited. The Instagram offline mode also allows for the liking of photos, following, unfollowing, saving, and comments. Whenever a data connection is re-established, the actions will be automatically uploaded to Instagram's servers. By this, comments and posts can be made when browsing the app but they will only be uploaded when there is a data connection; either using Wi-Fi or mobile networks.

Instagram offline mode app works in a similar way and users may have seen the message "You can still post while offline" when using the social network. The Facebook-owned app hasn't made it possible to upload images as new posts in the offline mode, though there is a potential for this to be added in the upcoming updates.

As of now, Instagram offline mode and Facebook have specifically been developed for countries where internet access might be limited. The social media company claimed that around 80 percent of its users are outside of its US base.

According to GSM Arena, Instagram isn't the only firm that is in development for platforms to use fewer data. Within this month Twitter introduced a new web app called Lite; developed in coordination with Google. Twitter Lite app was designed for the mobile web which focuses on improving the quality of service for areas with limited connectivity. By this, Twitter Lite app will also feature a web data saving mode that only downloads images and videos if they are clicked upon by the user; a similar mode on Instagram.