Flashes: The Bluesky-Based Instagram Alternative Redefining Visual Social Media

TL;DR

•  Flashes, a new photo-sharing app built on Bluesky, offers an Instagram-style experience
  
•  Based on the AT Protocol, it connects seamlessly with Bluesky’s 37M+ user base
  
•  Supports photo filters, curated feeds, and a “Portfolio” feature for creators
  
•  Requires iOS 17+ and a Bluesky account to get started
  
•  Premium subscriptions and Android/web support are in development
  

A Visual Experience, Powered by Bluesky

Berlin-based developer Sebastian Vogelsang has introduced a new app called Flashes, designed as a Bluesky-compatible alternative to Instagram. It provides a photo-first user interface while leveraging Bluesky’s decentralized social graph through the AT Protocol.

Instead of scrolling through a Twitter-like feed, Flashes delivers a clean, curated timeline of images and videos — tapping into a need for visual-first social platforms in the open protocol era.

Flashes vs. Instagram

How It Works: A New Layer on Top of Bluesky

Flashes isn’t a new network — it’s an interface that visualizes Bluesky content in a more Instagram-like format. When you post on Flashes:

• The post appears on your Bluesky profile
  
• You can use photo filters before sharing
  
• Interactions like likes, reposts, and comments sync both ways
  
• Users can browse 50,000+ curated Bluesky feeds, such as art, cats, or birds
  

Users already active on Bluesky will feel instantly connected, while new users can create an account directly in the Flashes app. Advanced users can even connect to custom hosting providers beyond Bluesky’s default server.

Creator Tools: Portfolios and Custom Profiles

One standout feature is the Portfolio Mode — enabling creators to highlight their best work on a dedicated profile tab. This feature can be toggled in the Advanced Settings under “Flashes Profile.”

Additional profile customization options include:

• Showing or hiding likes, lists, and feeds
  
• Media filtering for curated visual presentation
  
• Preview support for custom Bluesky feeds
  

Getting Started with Flashes

To use Flashes:

1. Download the app from the App Store (requires iOS 17+)
   
2. Sign in with your Bluesky account or create one directly
   
3. Start browsing or posting visual content using filters, tags, and curated feeds
   

For newcomers, registration includes agreeing to Bluesky’s Community Guidelines and setting up with a main server or custom instance.

What’s Coming Next: Premium Tiers and Android Support

Vogelsang has outlined a robust roadmap, including:

•  Push notifications
  
•  Multiple account support
  
•  Bookmarks and longer videos
  
•  Subscription plans (to support Android, web, and app maintenance)
  
•  Temporary media (similar to Instagram Stories)
  
•  Albums and bulk media transfer
  

Future plans may also see Flashes evolve into a standalone app built on the AT Protocol, while still remaining compatible with Bluesky.