Instagram Lite gets Reels support, the so-called “TikTok Clone”

Facebook’s Instagram is currently one of the most popular social media apps in the world. The platform originally came with the purpose of allowing users to share pictures of special moments, situations, or anything they like. However, nowadays, it is a heavily-used social media platform with a bunch of features to improve the experience. However, the app isn’t the most friendly for some low-end smartphones. For that reason, in a bid to catch this low-packed userbase, Facebook introduced Instagram Lite App in June 2018. One month before its second anniversary, in May 2020, it was shut down. Apparently, after a number of complaints, it was brought back to life in September 2020 and was rolled out in India.

The Instagram Lite App came without IGTV, Shop, and Reels features. For those unaware, Reels has been Facebook’s response to the TikTok phenomenon. It offers a similar experience. Users of the Lite platform have been excluded. Now, however, in a sudden twist of facts, users are getting this feature. Today, the Facebook-owned app is getting a new update which adds Reels to its portfolio of features.

Instagram Lite App offers a core Instagram experience

Besides being an app focused on low-end devices, it also aims to bring a core Instagram experience to people who are unfamiliar with the app. The app was rolled out without support for Reels, and also had the old layout with the search bar at the bottom.

Now, users of Instagram Lite that were eagerly waiting for Reels can finally rejoice. The 2MB version of the Instagram application is adding this feature in India. If you’re unaware of Reels’ purpose, or even TikTok’s purpose, it will allow Indian users to watch the popular short-format videos in the Reels tab. Unfortunately, it does not give Instagram Lite users the ability to create Reels on the app. If you want to create your own Reels, you will need to use the full-fledged application. So far, the Lite app is available in multiple regional languages. The list includes Bangla, Gurajati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, and Telugu.

Facebook made a statement to explain the new feature on the Instagram Lite app:

“Now with this update, everyone using the Instagram Lite app in India will be able to view Reels with the Reels tab. This feature was expedited for India because of the traction Reels is seeing in India. Also, due to the early adoption of the new Instagram Lite app.”