Flashes: The New Bluesky Instagram Alternative

Flashes Introduces a New Instagram-Like Experience on Bluesky

A new application, Flashes, has been released as an alternative to Instagram, leveraging the infrastructure of the Bluesky social network.

Currently accessible through the App Store, Flashes provides users with an alternative method for viewing visual content shared on Bluesky.

A Shift in Content Presentation

Unlike the traditional timeline-based feed found on platforms such as X, Flashes adopts a presentation style reminiscent of dedicated photo-sharing social networks.

The app’s design is heavily influenced by the user experience offered by Instagram, focusing on visual discovery.

This approach aims to offer a distinct browsing experience within the Bluesky ecosystem.

Flashes intends to provide a more visually-focused way to interact with content on the decentralized social media platform.

Content Capabilities on the Platform

This application, created by developer Sebastian Vogelsang who is located in Berlin, operates utilizing the same foundational protocol as Bluesky – the AT Protocol, commonly referred to as ATProto.

Consequently, the stipulations regarding image and video uploads will mirror those found directly on the Bluesky platform.

Initial and Updated Media Limits

Initially, the platform supported posts containing a maximum of four images and videos with a duration limit of one minute.

However, following the release of Bluesky version 1.99 on March 10th, users gained the ability to upload videos extending up to three minutes in length.

ATProto is the core technology enabling interoperability between this app and Bluesky.

The update to three-minute video uploads represents an expansion of the platform’s capabilities.

Flashes and Instagram: A Comparative Overview

Flashes shares similarities with Instagram, providing users with a scrolling feed of both photos and videos. It also incorporates user profiles and photo filters for image enhancement during posting.

Unlike platforms requiring users to build a network from the ground up, Flashes immediately connects individuals to the broader Bluesky community, currently exceeding 37 million users. Even if a portion of Bluesky’s user base isn’t directly on Flashes, their visual content is accessible within the app, effectively filtering the Bluesky feed.

Posts created on Flashes are simultaneously published to Bluesky. Consequently, users desiring separation between the two networks might consider establishing a distinct Bluesky account.

The application also facilitates browsing of personal Bluesky feeds and selection from over 50,000 custom feeds available on Bluesky. These feeds cater to diverse interests, such as art, ornithology, gardening, or even feline photography, and can also be categorized by content format, like Bluesky’s dedicated video feed.

Interaction with posts within Flashes – including likes, reposts, and replies – mirrors the functionality of Bluesky. These actions are reflected in both applications, ensuring a synchronized experience.

Key Features of Flashes

Photographers will find the “Portfolio” feature particularly valuable for displaying their work.

Activation of this feature is achieved by navigating to the “Advanced” tab within your user profile, followed by selecting “Flashes profile.” An option to enable Portfolio will then be presented, allowing for curated image selection for your Flashes profile.

Further profile customization is possible through options to display or conceal likes, lists, and feeds, alongside other media filtering capabilities.

• Portfolio Mode: Allows curated image display.
• Feed Customization: Control what is visible on your profile.
• Cross-Posting: Seamless integration with Bluesky.

Flashes essentially provides a visually focused interface for exploring the content already available on Bluesky, offering a dedicated space for image and video enthusiasts.

Getting Started with Flashes

Utilizing Flashes requires an existing Bluesky account. Should you already possess one, simply log in using your current credentials.

For new users, account creation is possible directly within the Flashes application. By default, the app configures account setup on the primary Bluesky server, bluesky.social. However, advanced users have the option to select a custom hosting provider.

The account creation process necessitates the provision of an email address, a secure password, and your date of birth. Acceptance of the terms of use is also required, signifying agreement with Bluesky’s Community Guidelines and Terms.

Upon successful login, immediate access to browsing shared images and videos on your Bluesky timeline, or any other feed, is granted. You are also empowered to publish your own media content.

Flashes: An Emerging Platform on Bluesky

Vogelsang anticipates that Flashes will attract a wider user base to the Bluesky social network, even those who aren't seeking a direct replacement for Twitter, now known as X. The application is designed to resonate with individuals who desire open-source alternatives to platforms like Meta's Instagram.

Competition in the Decentralized Social Media Space

Flashes isn't operating in isolation. Pinksky is another application currently under development with comparable functionalities. Users already engaged with Mastodon's network might find Pixelfed a more suitable option, as it leverages the ActivityPub protocol inherent to the fediverse, differing from Bluesky’s ATProto.

Future Development Roadmap

The developer intends to continually enhance Flashes with additional features. These include the implementation of push notifications, support for managing multiple accounts, bookmarking capabilities, and expanded editing tools.

To support ongoing development, particularly for Android and web versions, the introduction of a subscription model with premium features is being considered. These paid subscriptions may also grant enhanced access to Vogelsang’s existing Bluesky applications, Skeets and Bluescreen.

Planned Enhancements and Long-Term Vision

Further planned improvements encompass optimized iPad layouts, extended video length support, the ability to create ephemeral posts (similar to Stories), album functionality, and streamlined image importing from other platforms.

Ultimately, the goal is to transform Flashes into a standalone platform built upon the AT Protocol, while maintaining compatibility with the broader Bluesky network. This evolution aims to establish Flashes as a distinct entity within the decentralized social media landscape.

The application is currently available for free download through the App Store and requires iOS 17 or a later version for operation.