Without realizing it, your internet quota can quickly run out even when you feel like you're using your phone as usual. Some apps remain active in the background or consume large amounts of data, especially during streaming, automatic updates, or unauthorized syncing.
If you often run out of data shortly after buying a new plan, chances are there’s a “data-hungry” app behind it. Get to know the apps that secretly consume a lot of data so you can save more and stay connected longer!
Instagram is one of the most data-consuming apps, mainly because of its highly visual and media-heavy content. From high-resolution photos and short videos (Reels) to constantly updated Stories—everything requires a lot of data.
What many don’t realize is that Instagram automatically plays videos and loads content in the background as you scroll through the feed or open Explore. Even if you don’t watch with sound, data is still used. Features like Live Streaming and sending media in DMs also contribute to the high data usage.
YouTube
YouTube is among the most popular apps for watching videos, but it’s also one of the most data-intensive. This is because YouTube plays videos in various resolutions—from 144p to 4K—and the higher the quality, the more data it consumes.
YouTube often runs in the background, especially if you use autoplay or YouTube Music, which automatically plays the next video or song. This causes your data to drain quickly, even if you think you’re just “watching a little.”
TikTok
TikTok is known for being one of the most data-consuming apps because it mainly features high-quality short videos that play automatically. Every time you open the app, videos play instantly without pause, even when you’re simply scrolling.
Data usage increases significantly if you watch live streams or upload videos. TikTok also frequently refreshes content in the background, which continues to use data even when the app isn’t actively open.
Streaming Apps
Movie streaming apps like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video are major contributors to heavy data use. Watching movies or series in high quality—especially HD or 4K—can consume hundreds of megabytes to several gigabytes in just one hour.
Even watching just one or two episodes a day can result in significant data usage, especially without a Wi-Fi connection. Some streaming apps also run in the background to pre-load or download content automatically, further increasing data consumption.
Online Gaming Apps
Online gaming apps are a major source of data consumption, especially for users who play for long hours or use high-graphics games. Games like PUBG Mobile, Mobile Legends, or Call of Duty: Mobile require a stable, continuous internet connection for real-time gameplay.
In addition, game updates, additional downloads, in-game ads, or streaming features silently consume a lot of data. One gaming session can easily eat up hundreds of megabytes—more if played in high settings or for extended periods.
Telegram
Telegram is often seen as a lightweight and fast messaging app, but it can be a serious data drainer—especially if you're part of many active groups or channels that share media frequently.
Telegram automatically downloads images, videos, documents, and even large files, whether in private chats or groups, if default settings are not changed. Its cloud storage feature also allows access to older files anytime, which encourages users to re-download data without noticing.
Facebook is infamous for high data usage due to the amount of visual content displayed on your feed. From autoplay videos and high-resolution images to Stories and Reels, everything consumes a considerable amount of data.
Even when not actively used, Facebook often runs in the background to sync notifications, update the feed, or upload media automatically. Without proper control, using Facebook can significantly drain your daily data quota without your awareness.
Spotify
Spotify can be data-intensive, especially if you frequently stream music or podcasts in high quality. If you’re used to listening to your favorite playlists all day without Wi-Fi, data consumption can quickly add up.
Features like autoplay and automatic downloads can also contribute to background data usage. To save data, it’s best to activate data saver mode or use the download feature while connected to Wi-Fi.
Tips to Save Data
To manage these data-hungry apps, you can enable data saver mode in your phone or app settings. Download content such as music and videos while connected to Wi-Fi, and play them offline. Disable auto-sync, stop automatic updates, and limit internet access for rarely used apps.
By following these steps, your data quota will last longer and be used more efficiently.
