Does your mobile data run out quickly? Find out which platform—Netflix, Prime, or YouTube—consumes the most data.
Shikha Saxena July 06, 2026 05:15 PM

In today's world, the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives. From the moment we wake up until we go to sleep, we use the internet in one way or another—whether it is spending time on social media, watching videos on YouTube, or enjoying web series on platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. However, users often complain that their mobile data runs out very quickly. In such a scenario, it is important to know which apps consume the most data.

**Data consumption varies by app**
Mobile data consumption differs from app to app. It depends on the type of content you are viewing and the quality at which you are watching it. Video streaming and social media apps consume significantly more data compared to standard chatting or web browsing.

When it comes to YouTube, data consumption depends on video quality. Low-quality streaming (such as 360p) uses approximately 500 MB of data per hour. In HD (720p), this figure rises to about 1.5 to 2 GB, while Full HD (1080p) can consume up to 3 GB per hour. Watching 4K videos can push consumption to 15 GB or even more.

**OTT platforms like Netflix and Prime Video**
OTT platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video also consume large amounts of data. In low quality, they use around 300 to 700 MB per hour, whereas HD or Full HD streaming can require up to 3 GB of data. If you watch 4K content, consumption can reach 7 GB or more.

**Browsing Facebook consumes less data**
Social media apps like Instagram and Facebook are not far behind when it comes to data consumption. Continuously watching Reels and videos on Instagram can consume up to 700 MB of data per hour. While general browsing on Facebook consumes less data, watching videos can push usage up to 500 MB per hour. Overall, YouTube consumes the most data when you watch high-quality videos, especially during 4K streaming, followed by Netflix and Prime Video. Among social media apps, Instagram is considered the platform that uses the most data, particularly while scrolling through videos. Therefore, if you run out of data quickly, lowering the video quality and managing auto-streaming settings would be a better option for you.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from TV9. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.

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