For those seeking an alternative to Instagram, Flashes could be a promising option. This recently launched app, built on Bluesky, seems to have all the essential features covered. Although Flashes officially debuted on the App Store on February 24, subsequent updates have significantly improved the user experience, making it a more recommendable choice.
If you recall the Instagram era before Meta transformed it into a Facebook-like platform, you’ll have a good idea of what Flashes offers. It’s a platform for sharing photos and videos, with unique Bluesky elements such as customizable feeds instead of Meta’s algorithmic approach.
Upon opening Flashes for the first time, you’ll be prompted to log in with a Bluesky account or create a new one exclusively for Flashes. By using your existing account, the app essentially aggregates image and video posts from accounts you follow into an Instagram-like feed. This integration works both ways: any posts you make on Flashes will also appear in your regular text-focused Bluesky feed.
The app includes various tabs, such as a home tab for feeds, a search tab for exploring posts and trending topics, a tab for creating new posts, a notifications tab for all Bluesky notifications, and a profile tab. Flashes offers filters for photos and customizable feeds, but overall customization options are limited. Essentially, it’s an image and video-centric version of Bluesky. However, there are some drawbacks – for instance, receiving duplicate notifications if you use both Bluesky and Flashes, and account deletion affecting both platforms.

Bluesky aims to create a more customizable and versatile social media experience that isn’t tied to a single platform, utilizing the AT Protocol. This aligns with the goals of apps like Mastodon and Threads, which leverage ActivityPub. While it’s uncertain which standard will prevail, Bluesky is gaining traction. The app reached 20 million users in November 2024, prompting significant moderation efforts, and surpassed 30 million users in January 2025. Flashes’ design means that all new Bluesky accounts could potentially become Flashes users as well.
This article was originally published on Engadget at .
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