We’re gradually observing decentralization come to life. This means we’re now going to have more options beyond traditional, centralized social media platforms.

If you love sharing photos and videos but want more options beyond Instagram, there’s a new app you should know about. People are now looking to reduce their dependency on Meta and explore more decentralized platforms. This shift comes as Meta recently removed fact-checkers, raising concerns about content control and transparency.

Enter Flashes, a fresh photo-sharing app built on the decentralized social media platform Bluesky.

What Exactly Is Flashes?

Flashes is a photo-sharing app that feels a lot like Instagram but comes with some unique features. It was developed by Sebastian Vogelsang, an independent developer with a passion for building user-centric platforms. Vogelsang aimed to create an app focused on simplicity, user control, and seamless integration with decentralized networks. The app lets you share up to four photos per post and videos that are up to one minute long.

But here’s the cool part: anything you post on Flashes also appears on Bluesky. This means your photos and videos get more reach, and your friends on Bluesky can like, comment, and interact with your posts even if they don’t have Flashes.

Why Is Flashes Getting So Much Attention?

One reason Flashes is creating a buzz is its smooth and user-friendly design. Check it out in this post by Flashes app on Bluesky –

[image or embed]

— Flashes App 📱 (@flashes.blue) 15 January 2025 at 23:04

It has features we all know and love:

• Double-tap to like a photo
• Pinch-to-zoom on images
• Different timeline views.

You can even turn these features on or off depending on what you prefer.

Flashes offers three timeline options: Trending, Timeline, and Following. If you miss the days of seeing posts in chronological order, the “Following” feed has got you covered.

What Makes It Different from Instagram?

While Flashes may look like Instagram on the surface, the biggest difference lies at the backend. Unlike Instagram, which is owned by Meta and runs on centralized servers, Flashes is built on Bluesky’s decentralized network. This means more privacy, more control over your content, and less worrying about algorithms messing with your feed.

Sebastian Vogelsang shared that his vision was to create an app where users feel truly connected without the distractions of algorithm-driven content. His experience with decentralized platforms inspired him to build something that values authenticity and user choice.

Is Flashes Available for Everyone?

As of now, Flashes is in beta testing and is only available for iPhone users through Apple’s TestFlight. The demand was so high that the initial beta slots filled up quickly.

But an Android version is on the way. The developer explained that he started with iOS simply because he was more familiar with it, not because he wanted to leave anyone out.

What Other Apps Are Being Introduced by Bluesky?

Interestingly, Flashes isn’t the only app Bluesky has in its ecosystem. Another photo-sharing app called Pinksky has also entered the scene. It looks and feels a lot like Instagram, making it easy for users to transition.

Pinksky: an Instagram alternative built on Bluesky.
byu/Flaky-Ant-499 inBlueskySocial

Like Flashes, Pinksky lets you sign in with your Bluesky account, keeping all your connections intact. Bluesky is continuously inspiring developers to create apps that focus on decentralized, user-first experiences.

However, one concern remains. Since Bluesky is a decentralized platform, it doesn’t let users alter their profile privacy. This can potentially discourage users who are used to maintaining a private profile from signing up.

Why This Matters?

Apps like Flashes and Pinksky show that the future of social media might be more open and user-centered. With people becoming more aware of privacy issues and algorithm frustrations, decentralized platforms like Bluesky offer a fresh, new path.

So, if you’re looking for an Instagram alternative that gives you more control and a simpler, cleaner experience, Flashes might be the right social media platform for you.