Public Launch of Bluesky-based Instagram Alternative Flashes

A new photo-sharing app called Flashes has launched, and it’s designed to be an alternative to Instagram. Just this week, it became available in the App Store and received an impressive nearly 30,000 downloads within the first day. Flashes allows users to upload up to four photos or videos that can last up to a minute, mimicking the Instagram experience.

Flashes has been created by a developer named Sebastian Vogelsang, based in Berlin. The app operates on a platform called Bluesky, which is used by a growing social network that now has over 32 million users. This connection means that users of Flashes can easily reach a larger audience since all their posts can also be seen by Bluesky users, not just those on Flashes.

While Flashes shares some similarities with Instagram, it offers more customization options. Users are not limited by fixed algorithms that restrict what they see; instead, they can choose from over 50,000 custom feeds on Bluesky. This feature allows users to curate the content they want to see in a way that suits them. Additionally, Flashes provides built-in feeds to view top posts and the most recent posts across the Bluesky network.

There are specific features on Flashes that cater to photographers who want to showcase their work effectively. For instance, the app includes a “Portfolio Mode,” which lets users select which images or videos will appear on their profiles. This means that when someone visits a user’s profile, they can immediately see the best work showcased upfront.

Flashes also allows users to edit their posts using various photo filters, much like what Instagram users are familiar with. This editing functionality helps enhance the visual quality of their shared content, making it appealing to followers.

Furthermore, Flashes is introducing curated feeds focused on art and creativity. One of the highlights of this release is a collection of images from the Blacksky community. Blacksky is a group that works with Bluesky to build tools for the Black community. They offer features like specialized feeds and moderation services, making the platform more inclusive and supportive.

Vogelsang has mentioned he has been in talks with potential investors to secure funding for the app and is open to exploring financial opportunities. As of Thursday, Flashes has reached a total of 40,500 downloads, indicating a growing interest in the app. It’s part of a wave of new initiatives using the Bluesky platform to create unique social media experiences.

In summary, Flashes is a fresh take on photo-sharing apps, aiming to provide users with a platform that is both familiar and customizable. With its features and connection to the larger Bluesky community, it offers an exciting option for those looking to share and explore visual content in creative ways.