Instagram gets an offline mode on Android so users can create posts without an internet connection

Instagram has added offline support for its Android app meaning users can create posts even when there is no internet connection.
 
Users can view, comment on and save posts already downloaded to their phones and when they go back online these actions will be updated automatically.
 
Insiders believe this functionality will particularly help Instagram spread in developing countries where internet connection is unreliable. 
 
Instagram made the announcement about its offline functionality at Facebook's F8 conference in San Jose.
 
Offline users will now be able to look at content that was previously only accessible online. This includes liking things, saving media and unfollowing people.
 
The Explore tab will also work offline and users will be able to see profiles visited previously and posts already downloaded.
 
According to TechCrunch more offline functionality will be announced in the coming months and the company are currently exploring an iOS version.
 
The offline support is now available on Android which is the device most used in developing countries.
 
Insiders are curious to see if this new functionality will extend to its Stories feature.
 
The photo sharing app now has more than 600 million users and around 200 million of them use the messaging feature Stories.
 
Last year Instagram launched the new feature that lets users create 10-second video clips and share them with a select group of followers.
 
Last week Instagram's Stories officially got more users than Snapchat's.
 
The company has named it 'Stories' because this is the name people have widely adopted for the format, most commonly associated with Snapchat.
 
Unlike videos shared on someone's Instagram feed, exactly who has viewed the story will be able to be seen by whoever posted it.
 
Users can also choose to save the videos or post to their Instagram feed, where they will become permanent like normal Instagram videos.
 
Earlier this month Instagram introduced several new tools to its Stories feature.
 
Among the updates are custom geostickers in four more cities – London, Tokyo, Madrid and Chicago, and a hands-free timer.
 
In a blog on its website, a spokesperson from Instagram said: 'If you live in or are travelling to Chicago, London, Madrid or Tokyo, you'll also start seeing geostickers for your city over the coming days.
 
'All of the geostickers have been designed by local community members to help bring the cities they call home to life.
 
'You'll be able to see the artist's username when you tap the sticker, so you can learn more about their unique artwork.' 

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