Pixelfed
Pixelfed is a free, open-source, federated image sharing platform that serves as a decentralised alternative to Instagram. Built on the ActivityPub protocol, it allows anyone to run their own instance while staying connected to the broader Fediverse. With an ethical approach to social media — no algorithmic manipulation, no ads, no data mining — Pixelfed puts photographers and communities back in control of their image sharing experience.
Key Features
- Federated architecture — Connect with users across Mastodon, PeerTube, and other ActivityPub services from a single Pixelfed account
- No algorithmic feeds — Chronological timeline with no dark patterns, engagement bait, or algorithmic manipulation
- Photo-focused posting — Upload and share photos with captions, alt text support, albums, and multiple image uploads
- Stories — Ephemeral photo and video stories that disappear after 24 hours
- Collections — Organise posts into themed collections for portfolios and galleries
- ActivityPub federation — Follow and interact with users on any ActivityPub-compatible platform
- Self-moderation tools — Instance-level blocking, individual muting, content warnings, and report tools
- REST API — Extensible API for third-party clients and automation
Why Use Pixelfed?
Pixelfed offers a genuine alternative to Instagram that respects your attention and your data. The chronological timeline removes the addictive algorithmic feed, and federation means you can choose or run your own community without being locked into a single platform. For photographers and creators, it provides a clean, ad-free space to share work without the pressure of engagement metrics.
Use Cases
- Photographers and visual artists building a portfolio on their own terms without algorithmic pressure
- Communities running private or themed image sharing instances for specific interest groups
- Self-hosted alternative to Instagram for privacy-conscious individuals and organisations
- Federated social media presence alongside Mastodon for a complete decentralised web identity
Platform
Linux (Docker) · Web · Android · iOS (progressive web app)
Licence
GNU AGPL-3.0