Consumer demand for alternatives to Big Tech’s social apps is on the rise. Alternative social networks like Bluesky and Mastodon are gaining traction with people looking to leave X, while others are building ban-proof TikTok alternatives on open protocols. Similarly, many independent developers are working on open, decentralized alternatives to Instagram, Meta’s flagship photo-sharing app with over 2 billion monthly active users.

While none of the newcomers is anywhere near ready to rival Meta’s size and scope, their ability to even carve out a small niche within Meta’s shadow is compelling. They’re also arriving at a time when investors are starting to take notice of the growing open social web. Gen Z folks, meanwhile, recently signaled they’re more likely to leave TikTok for another Chinese social app rather than return to Instagram.

Below are some of the apps working to build Instagram alternatives on open protocols like Bluesky’s AT Protocol and ActivityPub, used by Mastodon and others.

Pixelfed

Pixelfed is a photo-sharing site that launched official mobile apps for iOS and Android in January. Built on ActivityPub, used by Mastodon, a YouTube competitor called PeerTube, and many others, including now Meta’s Threads and Flipboard (plus its newer app, Surf), Pixelfed is part of the “fediverse,” a reference to the federated servers that comprise it. Together, these apps offer a range of decentralized services. Unlike Instagram, Pixelfed is ad-free, open source, and defaults to chronological feeds, which are its selling points to users.

Within its first two days on the market, Pixelfed’s mobile apps topped 10,000 downloads, developer Daniel Supernault said on Mastodon.

Flashes

Flashes is an Instagram alternative built on top of the Bluesky social network. The app opened its doors to beta testers last week and is essentially a photo-first Bluesky client. Users who post on Flashes will have their posts appear on Bluesky, while Bluesky users’ comments on those posts will also appear on Flashes. Flashes is part of a trio of Bluesky clients built by developer Sebastian Vogelsang, which also includes a Twitter-like app Skeets and a video app Bluescreen.

Flashes is built to appeal to former Instagram users who want to connect over photos instead of viral content or Reels. The app features a familiar interface, including a tappable Stories section at the top. But unlike new apps built from scratch, Flashes users can tap into their existing network of friends and followers from Bluesky, even if those people aren’t also Flashes users yet.

Pinksky

Pinksky is another Bluesky client designed to attract former Instagram users who want to connect over photos instead of viral content or Reels. The app features a familiar interface, including a tappable Stories section at the top. However, unlike new apps built from scratch, Pinksky users can tap into their existing network of friends and followers from Bluesky, even if those people aren’t also Pinksky users yet.

Pinksky may expand to include other technologies, like integrations with ActivityPub or Nostr, if there’s enough demand. For now, the app is free to use, though it may later add premium features if it grows enough to support monetization.

Skygram

Skygram is a work-in-progress web-based app designed to offer a more photo-centric Bluesky experience. Within Skygram, users can switch between interest-based feeds at the top of the screen, like Gardening, Dogs, and others. The app’s code is available on GitHub as the work continues.