EUAlternatives
    P

    Pixelfed

    An open-source, decentralized photo sharing platform powered by ActivityPub.

    FRFrance·Founded 2018
    Headquarters
    🇫🇷France
    Data Hosting
    Customer-defined
    Structure
    Independent
    Compliance
    ▣GDPR▦EU Data

    Pixelfed key facts

    Last updated
    Legal entity
    Pixelfed Project
    Headquarters
    France (FR)
    Ownership
    Independent
    Founded
    2018
    Data hosting
    Customer-defined
    Infrastructure
    Instance-specific (often DigitalOcean for the main project landing assets)
    Open source
    Yes
    US Cloud Act exposure
    Low (no US parent)
    Replaces
    Instagram, Flickr, Google Photos

    About Pixelfed

    Pixelfed is a free and open-source image sharing social network. Unlike centralized platforms, it is federated, meaning it consists of a network of independently operated servers that communicate with each other using the ActivityPub protocol. This allows users on different servers to follow and interact with one another seamlessly, similar to how email works across different providers. The platform is designed as a privacy-conscious, ad-free alternative to Instagram. It features a chronological feed without algorithmic manipulation, ensuring users see content from people they follow in the order it was posted. Because it is open source, anyone can audit the code or host their own instance, giving communities and individuals full control over their data and moderation policies.

    Alternative to

    InstagramFlickrGoogle Photos

    Hosting & Security

    Infrastructure

    Instance-specific (often DigitalOcean for the main project landing assets)

    Key Features

    Albums (multiple photos)
    Threaded comments
    Direct Messages
    Photo Filters
    Stories (ephemeral posts)
    Chronological feeds
    Unlisted and Follower-only posts
    ActivityPub federation support

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