Scrolling through endless Facebook feeds, catching up on the latest YouTube trends, and double-tapping those Instagram-worthy moments - these are just some of the ways we stay connected today. However, these apps can quickly eat away at your mobile data plan. 


This is something to note while you’re travellng as you do not want to run into a scenario like watching a movie on 4K while on a bus or at the airport exhausted your plan’s data allowance. 


Luckily, you’re probably already using an eSIM plan or planning to get one for on-demand global connectivity at your fingertips. If you’re not, you’re probably going to pay a ton of roaming charges.


This guide explores how much data YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram typically use in 2024 while giving you practical tips to help manage your mobile data usage effectively. 


For affordable prepaid plans that will last the entire duration of your trip, grab a Holiday eSIM for instant connectivity from anywhere around the world.

How much data does YouTube use in 2024

Youtube can eat through your mobile data plan quickly, especially if you watch videos in high resolution. Although the data usage estimates vary slightly between sources, they all agree that higher resolution videos consume significantly more data. Here's a breakdown of how much data YouTube uses per hour of streaming.


Resolution

Approximate Data Usage per Hour

144p

30 MB - 90 MB

240p

180MB - 250 MB

360p

300 MB - 450 MB

Standard Definition (SD) 480p

300 MB - 500 MB

High Definition (HD) 720p

1.2 GB - 1.8GB

Full High Definition (FHD) 1080p

2.5 GB - 4.0GB

1440p (Quad HD)

2.7 GB - 8.1 GB


Sources: 

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-much-data-does-youtube-use/

https://www.electronicshub.org/how-much-data-does-youtube-use/

How to monitor how much data YouTube consumes on your phone

Android


  • Open your phone's Settings app.

  • Navigate to Network & Internet (or a similar option depending on your device).

  • Select Data usage.

  • Scroll down and find YouTube under the "Apps" heading. Here, you'll see the total data used by YouTube during your current billing cycle.

iPhone


  • Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.

  • Scroll down and tap Cellular.

  • Find the YouTube entry. This will display the total data used by YouTube during your current billing cycle.


These steps might vary slightly depending on your device model and operating system version. If you can't locate the data usage information, consult your phone's user manual or search online for specific instructions related to your device.

Reduce YouTube's data usage on your phone

Adjust Video Quality


  • Lower video resolution: This is the biggest factor affecting data consumption. Choose Standard Definition (SD) or lower resolutions (around 480p) for significant data savings. While the image quality won't be as sharp, it's perfect for situations where you prioritize saving data over pristine visuals.  

  • Avoid High Definition (HD) and Ultra High Definition (UHD): These options use significantly more data compared to SD. Opt for them only when you're connected to Wi-Fi and prioritize the highest quality viewing experience.


Using Data Saver Mode


Enable YouTube's Data Saver mode: This built-in feature automatically reduces video quality, leading to less data consumption. While the image might be slightly softer, it's a great way to save data without sacrificing too much on viewing quality.


  • Open the YouTube app 

  • Tap your profile picture in the top right corner.

  • Select Settings.

  • Navigate to Data saver.

  • Toggle the switch next to "Data saver" to activate it.

Downloading for Offline Viewing


If you know you'll be in an area with limited or no internet access, download videos beforehand using Wi-Fi. This way, you can watch them without worrying about data usage.


  • Open the YouTube app and find the video you want to download.

  • Tap the download icon (usually an arrow pointing downwards) located beneath the video.

  • Choose the desired video quality for download. Lower quality options will use less storage space on your device.

  • The video will download, and you can find it in your YouTube Library under Downloads. Downloaded videos can be watched without an internet connection.

Background Activity and Autoplay


  • Limit background app refresh: This prevents YouTube from refreshing content in the background, which can consume data. Check your phone's settings to disable background refresh for YouTube.  

  • Turn off autoplay: Autoplay automatically starts the next video in your queue, potentially leading to unwanted data consumption. Consider disabling autoplay to have more control over what you watch and save data.

How much data does Facebook use in 2024

Just like with YouTube, Facebook's data consumption hinges on how you interact with the app. Scrolling mindlessly for hours will certainly eat through your data plan, but there's more to the story. 


Factors influencing Facebook's mobile data usage

Content Type


  • Text Posts and Photos: These are the data-friendly options. Scrolling through text updates and static images uses minimal data, even if it takes less than a minute.

  • Videos: This is where data consumption can skyrocket. Videos, especially longer ones or those in high definition (HD), are the biggest data guzzlers on Facebook. Briefly checking a short video snippet might not be too bad, but watching a full-length recipe demonstration can quickly drain your data.

Video Quality 

 Just like with YouTube, video quality plays a significant role. High-resolution (HD) videos consume significantly more data compared to lower-resolution (SD) ones.  While HD videos offer a sharper viewing experience, they're not ideal for situations where data conservation is paramount. 

Background Activity 

Facebook can quietly use data in the background to refresh content, even when you're not actively using the app. While this amount may be small, it can add up over time, especially if you leave the app running in the background for extended periods.

Autoplay 

This seemingly convenient feature can be a data drain. When autoplay is enabled, Facebook automatically starts playing the next video in your feed, even if you haven't finished watching the current one. These short autoplaying clips can cumulatively use a surprising amount of data, especially if they're in HD.


To give you a clearer picture, here's a breakdown of estimated data usage for different Facebook activities

Breakdown of estimated data usage for different Facebook activities

Low Data Usage Activities 

  • Viewing a few text posts or photos: This minimal activity might use less than 1 MB.

  • Briefly checking notifications: This quick action likely uses negligible data.

Moderate Data Usage Activities


Scrolling through a feed with a mix of text, photos, and short videos (a few seconds each): This can use anywhere from 2-5 MB per minute, depending on the number and length of videos. Pausing to read or comment would reduce data usage during those moments.


High Data Usage Activities 


  • Watching longer videos (10+ minutes): Here, data consumption can jump significantly, ranging from 20-30 MB per minute or even more for HD videos. Pausing the video will stop data usage while paused.

  • Autoplaying videos: If autoplay is on, even short video snippets will start automatically, leading to increased data consumption.


Sources: https://www.proximus.be/en/id_b_cr_data_usage_facebook/personal/blog/news/tips-and-tricks-from/data-usage-facebook.html

https://www.facebook.com/help/656932384361200/?cms_platform=mobile-basic&helpref=platform_switcher

Tips to Reduce Facebook Mobile Data Usage


  • Minimize Video Playback: Limit watching videos, especially when on mobile data. 

  • Download Photos on Wi-Fi: Download photos you want to view later while connected to Wi-Fi.

  • Disable Autoplay: Turn off autoplay to prevent videos from automatically starting and consuming data.

  • Use Facebook Lite: This is a data-friendly version of Facebook designed for slower internet connections.

  • Monitor Data Usage:  Check your phone's data usage settings to see how much Facebook is consuming and adjust your habits accordingly.

How much data does Instagram use in 2024


Just like YouTube and Facebook, Instagram's data consumption depends on how you use the app. 

Factors Affecting Instagram Mobile Data Usage

Content Type

Photos: Browsing static images uses less data compared to videos. However, high-resolution photos can consume more data than their lower-resolution counterparts. 

Videos: These are the main data guzzlers. Short clips (like Reels or Stories) use less data, while longer videos (like IGTV) can significantly drain your data plan, especially if they're in HD.

Stories: While individual stories might not consume a lot of data on their own, watching a continuous stream of stories can add up, especially with autoplay enabled.

Live Videos: Similar to videos, live streams use a significant amount of data, especially if they're lengthy.

Image and Video Quality 

Just like with Facebook and YouTube, higher quality (HD) photos and videos use considerably more data compared to lower-resolution (SD) ones. While HD offers sharper visuals, consider opting for lower resolutions when on mobile data.

Autoplay 

This feature, while convenient, can be a data drain. When autoplay is on, Instagram automatically starts playing the next video (Reels, Stories, etc.) in your feed, even if you haven't finished watching the current one. These short autoplaying clips can cumulatively use a surprising amount of data. 

Background Activity 

While minimal, Instagram can use some data in the background to refresh content or check for updates. This might not be significant, but it can add up over time, especially if you leave the app running in the background for extended periods.


Sources:

https://www.mintmobile.com/blog/how-much-data-does-instagram-use

Tips to Reduce Instagram Mobile Data Usage


Minimize Video Playback: Limit watching videos, especially when on mobile data. Consider downloading them beforehand on Wi-Fi for offline viewing.

Lower Photo and Video Quality: Opt for lower-resolution settings for photos and videos, especially when scrolling through your feed.

Disable Autoplay: Turn off autoplay to prevent videos from automatically starting and consuming data.

Monitor Data Usage:  Check your phone's data usage settings to see how much Instagram is consuming and adjust your habits accordingly.


Staying connected on the go doesn't have to mean blowing your mobile data plan. By understanding how YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram use data, you can make informed choices to minimize consumption and maximize your travel experience. Utilize the built-in data-saving features within these apps, and consider downloading content beforehand on Wi-Fi for offline viewing.


For truly worry-free connectivity, explore Holiday eSIM options that offer flexible data packages and global coverage. This way, you can share your travel moments, stay updated, and navigate with ease, all without the fear of data overage charges.


Remember, a little planning goes a long way!