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Pixelfed

Open-source, ad-free photo-sharing network on the fediverse, an Instagram-style alternative.

Open sourceSelf-hostableSocial networks
Visit PixelfedSee 4 alternatives
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About Pixelfed

Pixelfed is a decentralised photo-sharing platform that looks and works much like classic Instagram: a grid profile, photo and carousel posts, stories, collections, likes and comments, with filters if you want them. It is part of the fediverse, so Pixelfed accounts can follow and be followed from Mastodon and other ActivityPub services, and anyone can run a Pixelfed server. Feeds are chronological, with no ads and no tracking-based recommendations. The software is free and open source under the AGPL, created by developer Daniel Supernault and funded by donations and grants, and an official mobile app is available for Android and iPhone alongside the web interface. The same project also builds Loops, a short-video app. Pixelfed's community is far smaller than Instagram's and discovery is limited, so it works best if you value control over reach.

Best for: Photographers and Instagram leavers who want ad-free, chronological photo sharing.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Instagram-like layout without ads or tracking
  • Federates with Mastodon and the fediverse
  • Open source and self-hostable

Why people leave

  • Far smaller community and audience
  • Limited discovery features
  • Experience depends on the server you join

Top Pixelfed alternatives

See all 4
  1. 1Instagram logo
    Instagram

    The mainstream option with the biggest audience for photos and Reels.

    66.5
  2. 2Mastodon logo
    Mastodon

    The largest fediverse network, where Pixelfed posts can also be followed.

    62.6
  3. 3Loops (video) logo
    Loops (video)

    The same project's short-video app, if you mainly post video.

    59.6
  4. 4BeReal logo
    BeReal

    A low-pressure way to share daily photos with friends.

    57.2

Why people left Pixelfed

In reviewers' own words, from reviews of the apps they moved to. These are their opinions, not ours.

No switching stories yet. If you moved away from Pixelfed, review the app you switched to and tell us why.

Reviews

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Pixelfed: common questions

Is Pixelfed free?

Yes. Pixelfed is free, open-source software that you can host yourself.

Is Pixelfed open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at pixelfed/pixelfed. You can also run it on your own server.

What platforms does Pixelfed run on?

Pixelfed is available for Web, iOS, Android and Self-hosted.

What are the best alternatives to Pixelfed?

The highest-ranked Pixelfed alternatives right now are Instagram, Mastodon and Loops (video). See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 4 Pixelfed alternatives