Pixelfed, a decentralized Instagram alternative, has officially launched its mobile apps for Android and iOS. The service runs on the same ActivityPub protocol as open-source Twitter/X alternative Mastodon, YouTube competitor PeerTube, and other decentralized social apps like Threads and Flipboard (plus its new app Surf). These platforms represent a growing trend toward more open social networks often referred to as the fediverse.
Developed in 2018 by Daniel Superno—who also recently created federated TikTok competitor Loops—Pixelfed functions similarly to Instagram, allowing users to share and view photos and videos, as well as message other people. Unlike Instagram, however, Pixelfed is ad-free, open-source, decentralized, and uses a chronological feed by default. This focus on a simpler, more transparent user experience is its key selling point.
At a time when people would rather switch to another Chinese app than return to Meta if the TikTok ban is upheld by the US Supreme Court, Pixelfed apps may have a better chance of success, particularly as users look to distance themselves from Meta’s (no longer fact-checking) social media platforms. To get started on Pixelfed, users can join one of the existing community servers or create their own Pixelfed instance, much like other federated apps.
Pixelfed’s Official Mobile Apps
Before the release of Pixelfed’s official mobile apps, users could access the service on the web or through third-party mobile apps such as Impressia. Now, however, Pixelfed’s own Android and iOS apps have completed beta testing and are freely available. The Android app was launched earlier this month, while the iOS version became available just yesterday. Within two days, the iOS app reached 10,000 downloads, according to Superno’s post on his Mastodon account. Meanwhile, the Android app has quickly become the #1 social app on Google Play in multiple markets, including the US.
These promising download numbers reflect the growing interest in decentralized social media alternatives. Superno also reported that 11,000 new users joined pixelfed.social—one of the platform’s top instances—in the past 24 hours alone. On Tuesday, over 78,000 messages were posted on that single server. Pixelfed’s model of offering an ad-free, user-focused experience appears to be resonating with those who feel dissatisfied with traditional centralized platforms.
Growing Community and Future Updates
Pixelfed apps are free to use, do not collect any user data, and prioritize privacy by design, adds NIX Solutions. As the community continues to expand, the platform is poised to become an appealing alternative for photographers, casual users, and anyone seeking a decentralized social experience. We’ll keep you updated on any further developments or enhancements that Pixelfed introduces as it grows.
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