Pixelfed's Rise: A Decentralized Alternative to Instagram Now on Mobile

Pixelfed, the open-source decentralized image-sharing platform posing as an alternative to Instagram, has made its debut on mobile devices with new applications for both iOS and Android. Known for its commitment to privacy, Pixelfed distinguishes itself by not running advertisements or sharing user data with third parties. Initially launched in 2018, it was previously accessible only via web browsers or third-party apps. Recently, the Android version was made available on January 9, followed closely by the release of the iOS app today.

User Growth and Activity

In a recent announcement shared on Mastodon, Daniel Supernault, creator of Pixelfed, revealed impressive growth statistics. In the past 24 hours alone, 11,000 new users joined the platform, contributing to a total of over 78,000 posts since its inception. The platform utilizes the ActivityPub protocol, aligning itself with other decentralized networks within the fediverse, including Mastodon and Flipboard.

The Search for Alternatives to Instagram

Many Instagram users are increasingly seeking alternatives to the Meta-owned service, particularly following controversial decisions by the company. These include the removal of third-party fact-checking and adjustments to its "Hateful Content" policy, which now permits derogatory remarks against women and transgender individuals. Additionally, Meta's oversight inadvertently led to blocking links to Pixelfed on Facebook, mistakenly identifying them as spam. This issue was addressed, and the blocked posts have since been reinstated.

As users continue to explore decentralized options, Pixelfed's mobile apps could represent a significant shift toward privacy-focused social networking.