Back in 2015, Facebook realized that if it wanted to grow a user base in emerging markets, it needed to offer an experience that worked on slower mobile networks. The solution was Facebook Lite, an app that is smaller, so quicker to install, works on older versions of mobile operating systems, uses less data, loads more quickly, and functions across all types of network.
As Facebook Lite was aimed at emerging markets, that's where it has remained while expanding its availability to over 100 countries. However, as Reuters reports, Facebook Lite is coming home. The social network has realized it's not just developing countries that have slow connections, developed countries do too.
The Lite app should be available today for users in the US, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, and New Zealand. The Android version is already listed on the Google Play Store.
Facebook Lite joins the existing stripped down Messenger Lite app, which is also aimed at older devices and those who don't have access to a fast connection.
Even if you enjoy a very fast and reliable connection, these Lite apps are desirable. If they load faster on lower-end hardware, they'll fly on high-end hardware. And who wouldn't enjoy having less data used to access the social network? Facebook Lite is worth a try if you use the main Facebook app regularly. You may never go back.