Apps Creating Instagram Alternatives on Open Protocols

Published on February 11th, 2025

Over the past year, demand for alternative social media from Big Tech has been increasing rapidly. Consumers are fleeing mainstream apps in favor of more control, privacy, and freedom from algorithms. Alternatives like Bluesky and Mastodon have captured significant mindshare as substitutes for X (formerly Twitter), while others are working on creating TikTok competitors that cannot be banned. Similarly, decentralized Instagram alternatives to the massively popular photo-sharing platform operated by Meta, with over 2 billion monthly active users, are being developed independently.

Despite none of the platforms having the size of Instagram, its ability to find and carve out a niche in Meta’s shadow is laudable. The open social web is receiving more attention from investors, and younger audiences, especially Gen Z, are signaling out a willingness to explore other options and not go back to Instagram. This shift opens an opportunity for new entrants taking advantage of the open protocol from Bluesky’s AT Protocol to ActivityPub underpinning Mastodon, PeerTube, and even Meta’s Threads.

Instagram: A Comprehensive Overview

Instagram, a leading social media platform, has transformed the way people share and engage with visual content since its inception.

Launch and Founders

Instagram was launched on October 6, 2010, by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. Initially developed as a project named Burbn, the app was rebranded to Instagram to focus on facilitating communication through images. On its launch day, over 25,000 users registered, and within a week, the platform had over 100,000 users.

Key Features of Instagram

Instagram offers a variety of features that have contributed to its widespread popularity:

• Photo and Video Sharing: Users can upload photos and videos, apply filters, and share them with their followers.
• Stories: Introduced in August 2016, Stories allow users to post photos or videos that disappear after 24 hours, similar to Snapchat’s feature.
• IGTV: Launched in June 2018, IGTV enables users to upload longer videos, supporting content creators in sharing more extensive content.
• Reels: Introduced in August 2020, Reels allows users to create and share short, entertaining videos set to music, competing with platforms like TikTok.
• Direct Messaging: Users can send private messages, photos, videos, and posts directly to other users.
• Shopping: Instagram’s shopping features enable businesses to tag products in posts and stories, allowing users to purchase items directly through the app.

Current Market Scenario

As of January 14, 2025, Instagram boasts over 2.1 billion monthly active users (MAUs) worldwide. The platform’s user base has been consistently growing, with projections indicating it will reach approximately 2.44 billion users by 2025.

In terms of user demographics, 62% of global users fall within the 18 to 34-year-old age bracket, highlighting Instagram’s strong appeal among younger audiences. Geographically, India leads with over 385 million users, making it the country with the highest number of Instagram users globally. The United States follows with approximately 166 million users.

Such data shows how Instagram has sustained and played an integral role in global social media activities.

Most Promising Instagram Alternatives Built on Open Protocols

1. Pixelfed: The ActivityPub-Powered Instagram Alternative

Pixelfed has been around for a while, but it got new life in January with the release of its official mobile apps for iOS and Android. Built on ActivityPub, the same protocol that powers Mastodon and PeerTube, Pixelfed is part of the growing “fediverse”—a network of interconnected, federated servers that enable decentralized social networking.

Key Features:

• Ad-free and open-source
• Decentralized with federated servers
• Chronological feed instead of algorithm-driven suggestions
• Direct messaging and photo/video sharing

Pixelfed closely replicates the basic functions of Instagram; people can upload, share and scroll through images and videos. Still, no ads and an in-feed chronology are among the main advantages users who grew weary of the Instagram algorithm would benefit from. Mobile apps of Pixelfed were downloaded over 10,000 times in its first two days of launch.

2. Flashes: A Bluesky-Based Photo Sharing App

Flashes is a brand-new Instagram alternative built on the Bluesky social network. Entering beta testing just last week, this app leverages the AT Protocol, allowing for a decentralized and open approach to social media.

What Sets Flashes Apart?

• Built on Bluesky’s AT Protocol
• Supports up to four photos per post and videos up to one minute in length
• Posts seamlessly integrate with the broader Bluesky ecosystem
• Future plans for premium subscriptions spanning multiple Bluesky clients

Flashes operates as a photo-first Bluesky client, meaning content posted on Flashes appears on Blueskya and vice versa. This interconnected approach allows users to engage with the platform without starting from scratch, a major advantage over traditional standalone apps.

3. Pinksky: Bringing Instagram-Style Features to Bluesky

Another Bluesky-powered project, Pinksky, is specifically designed to attract former Instagram users who prefer connecting over photos rather than short-form videos and viral content. This app replicates Instagram’s familiar interface but functions within the Bluesky ecosystem.

Why Pinksky Stands Out:

• Photo-centric design with a tappable Stories section
• Seamless integration with existing Bluesky networks
• Potential for future integration with ActivityPub or Nostr

Currently, Pinksky is free to use, but if demand grows, the developers may introduce premium features for monetization. The ability to build on an existing social network while offering a fresh take on Instagram’s format makes this a compelling option.

4. Skygram: A Work-in-Progress Instagram Alternative

Skygram is another emerging project focused on providing a more photo-centric experience within the Bluesky network. While still in development, its potential lies in its innovative approach to content discovery.

Skygram’s Features (in Progress):

• Web-based interface for easy access
• Interest-based feeds for curated content (e.g., Gardening, Dogs, Travel)
• Open-source code is available on GitHub

While Skygram is still in its early stages, its focus on interest-based feeds could make it a unique player in the Instagram alternatives space.

5. Lens Protocol: The Web3 Social Networking Revolution

Lens Protocol is a social networking site different from traditional social networking sites through the use of blockchain. It is built on the Polygon blockchain and allows decentralized architectures for content ownership and monetization.

Why Lens Protocol is Different:

• Fully decentralized social graph
• Users own their data and connections
• Built-in monetization tools for creators
• Web3 integration for NFT and crypto payments

Lens Protocol isn’t just an Instagram alternative—it’s an entirely new way to think about social networking, emphasizing digital ownership and creator-driven economies.

Comparison of Instagram Alternatives

Why Open Protocols Matter in Social Media’s Future

Within this broader movement of user empowerment and digital freedom, decentralized social platforms are a part of that. Open protocol allows developers to build social experiences focused on privacy, transparency, and user control. Unlike the classical social networks whose dependency on centralized servers and opaque algorithms uses power for the sake of convenience alone, decentralized platforms give the user ownership over their content and interactions.

Benefits of Open Protocol-Based Social Networks:

• User Control: No single company dictates how content is displayed or moderated.
• Data Ownership: Users retain ownership of their posts, unlike on centralized platforms.
• Interoperability: Apps can communicate with each other across protocols, reducing platform lock-in.
• Ad-Free Experiences: Many of these platforms operate without intrusive advertisements.

Conclusion:

Although none of these apps provide immediate competition for Instagram, they do herald the future of social media thinking. This increased hunger for decentralized, ad-free, and privacy-focused platforms indicates that users are ready for a change. Whether you’re a casual user of social media or an influencer searching for alternatives, or a developer interested in open-source projects, here are the Instagram alternatives built on open protocols for building a new era of social networking.

Keep an eye on these emerging platforms—one of them could be the next big thing in social media!