Bluesky Is Developing a New Photo-Sharing App Called Flashes

The decentralized platform Bluesky is developing a photo-sharing app called “Flashes.” The new platform is not public yet, but a beta version will be released next week.

According to TechCrunch’s report, Flashes will also run under AT Protocol—the same as Bluesky but not ActivityPub, used by other platforms like Mastodon and Threads and the dominant framework in the fediverse. It will also compete with Pixelfed, another decentralized photo-sharing app, running under the ActivityPub protocol.

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— Flashes App 📱 (@flashesapp.bsky.social) January 15, 2025 at 6:34 PM

Flashes expect to attract some of those users migrating from TikTok or deleting their Instagram, Threads, and Facebook accounts after Zuckerberg announced that Meta will end its fact-checking program and other policy changes.

The new Berlin-based platform is based on Bluesky’s codebase developed by its client Skeets—led by developer Sebastian Vogelsang. “I thought about the idea of having one base social graph and then having just different apps pick from that graph whatever they want to display,” Vogelsang told TechCrunch.

The developer explained that Flashes, even though it won’t be an Instagram clone, could be an attractive way to get more users connected to Bluesky, especially those who never considered themselves a “Twitter person.” Those who post on Flashes will also show on Bluesky and both platforms will share similar conditions: up to four photos per post, and a maximum of 1-minute videos.

Many users on Bluesky have shared their opinions on the new upcoming social media platform. “This is cool but Flashes is an all-time bad name,” said one user. “Given the type of photo that’s popular here, Flashes is the perfect name,” added another.

Decentralized apps are gaining more advocates as their leaders make decisions that challenge traditional platforms. Mastodon’s CEO will soon transfer ownership to a non-profit organization, setting the app apart from one-person-led business models like Elon Musk’s X and Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta.