Exploring Flashes: The Bluesky-Powered Instagram Alternative

Are you looking for a new way to share your photos and connect with friends? Bluesky, the decentralized social network, is making waves with its innovative approach to social media. Now, with apps like Flashes, you can experience a fresh take on the Instagram format, built on Bluesky‘s open protocol.

What is Flashes?

Flashes is an iOS app for sharing fleeting photos and videos—similar to Instagram Stories or Snapchat. However, it runs on Bluesky’s decentralized AT Protocol. As a result, users gain more control over their content and data. Additionally, Flashes filters out text-only posts to emphasize a clean, media-focused feed that syncs with your Bluesky account . Moreover, the app supports up to four images or one‑minute videos per post and integrates seamlessly with Bluesky’s DMs and comments system .

Moreover, Flashes lets you post between 1 and 12 visuals per post—ranging from photos to videos up to three minutes long. It pulls only media content from Bluesky, thereby offering a clean, visual-first feed. As a result, users enjoy a clutter-free experience focused solely on images and short videos, without the noise of text-only content .

Furthermore, the app includes features like photo filters and a Portfolio mode. This lets users curate which images appear on their profile .

Additionally, all your interactions—likes, comments, reposts—sync between Flashes and Bluesky. You sign in with your Bluesky account, and posts you make also show up on Bluesky’s main app 

Importantly, Flashes is still evolving. Current updates support up to 12 photos per post, 900-character descriptions, redesigned profiles, and smoother onboarding . The developer promises planned improvements: push notifications, bookmarks, multi-account support, Stories-style posts, and an Android version.

Key Features of Flashes

• Ephemeral Content: Posts disappear after 24 hours, encouraging spontaneous sharing.
• Bluesky Integration: Built on the AT Protocol, ensuring interoperability and data ownership.
• User-Friendly Interface: The app offers a familiar, intuitive design, making it easy to pick up and use.
• Customizable Experience: Being part of the Bluesky ecosystem, Flashes benefits from potential future integrations and customizations.

Why Choose Flashes?

Here’s why Flashes could be your next favorite social app:

• Data Ownership: With Bluesky’s decentralized model, you own your data, not the platform.
• Fresh Perspective: Escape the algorithms and curated feeds of mainstream platforms.
• Innovation: Be part of the future of social media with a focus on openness and interoperability.

Getting Started with Flashes

Ready to try it out? Here’s how:

1. Download Flashes: Currently, Flashes is available on iOS via TestFlight.
2. Create a Bluesky Account: If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create a Bluesky account.
3. Start Sharing: Begin posting your photos and videos, and connect with other Bluesky users.