Sometimes, simpler is better. This is what the creator of a new Instagram alternative thinks. Called Flashes, this new photo-heavy social media platform, wants to let you express your photography skills without the clutter. Well, Flashes just launched on the Apple App Store, and it has Instagram in its sights.
What makes this app significant is the fact that it’s based on Bluesky. This means that you’ll need a Bluesky account to use it. While it’s based on the platform, it wasn’t created by Bluesky Social PBC. This is an independent project.
Flashes is on the App Store to challenge Instagram
Instagram is one of the most used social media applications on the app stores. Be that as it may, it has its issues that keep some people from enjoying it. For starters, it’s strayed far from its roots as a photo-sharing app. Now, people are inundated with Reels and ads with some photos sprinkled in. Not only that, but the main feed you see is the typical algorithm-curated feed full of trendy posts.
Well, Flashes is here to bring back the old days of Instagram. Since this app is based on Bluesky, you’ll only see Bluesky posts. What Flashes will do is look through the accounts of people who you follow and show you their image content. It’s like a filter that will only show you their pictures. You will also be able to view people’s videos.
Flashes is a two-way street. When someone posts to Bluesky, their posts will show up on Flashes. Also, when they post on Flashes, you’ll see their content on Bluesky. So, it’s a well-integrated experience.
You can create multiple custom feeds, which is a Bluesky staple. So, you’ll have more ways to customize your experience. It gives you more options than you have with larger social media platforms.
There’s one issue with the app. Firstly, you’ll get double notifications. One notification will come from Bluesky and the other from Flashses. So, if you get a bunch of notifications, then you’ll be overrun.
Right now, Flashes is only on the Apple App Store. We don’t know when/if the Android app will come out. Hopefully, there is an Android app in the works, as it could open Flashes up to a wide userbase.
