Pinksky: The Instagram Alternative You Need to Try [Now Available]
Social media feels like a whirlwind these days. Questionable moves by Meta (like ending its fact-checking program), and X’s ongoing controversies have driven users to explore new options. Platforms like Bluesky Social have risen as havens for those looking for more authentic social media experiences. Building on this momentum, Pinksky has just launched – a third-party photo-sharing app designed for Bluesky. With its clean interface and Instagram-like features, you might be wondering: Could Pinksky be the next Instagram alternative? Let’s dive in to find out.
What is Pinksky?
Pinksky is a third-party app developed specifically for Bluesky Social users, focusing on photo and video sharing with features similar to Instagram’s–yes, the color choice is probably not a coincidence.
Although not officially affiliated with Bluesky, Pinksky connects to your Bluesky account and provides a familiar experience. For users tired of algorithm-driven platforms, Pinksky could be a refreshing alternative.
The app officially launched on Tuesday, 12 February and is available for download on iPhone and Android.
How Pinksky is Connected to Bluesky
While Pinksky is an independent app (created by developer Ramon Souza), it’s fully integrated with Bluesky Social. You simply log in with your Bluesky credentials, and anything you post or interact with on Pinksky will automatically reflect on your Bluesky profile.
This integration lets creators showcase their visuals on Pinksky while leveraging Bluesky’s expanding social network.
Pinksky is not the first photo-sharing app built for Bluesky—other apps are also competing for attention in this space, such as Flashes, which recently launched and announced its beta release just a few days ago.
How to Get Started with Pinksky
If you have a Bluesky Social account, logging into Pinksky takes just a few clicks.
On Desktop
- Go to the desktop version.
- Click “Use on Web.”
- Log in with your Bluesky handle or PDS URL.
- Authorize the connection and enter your Bluesky password.
- Click “Accept.”
- Voilà! You’re now in your Pinksky feed.
On the App
The process is just as simple on mobile. Follow the same steps, and you’ll be able to access Pinksky on your phone. See the screenshots below for a better idea.
Key Functions and Features of Pinksky
Pinksky offers features that are designed to enhance the photo and video sharing experience:
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Stories: Share reposts, photos, and videos from the last 24 hours. You can choose whether your content appears in your Feed or Stories.
💡 Important: Stories also appear on your Bluesky profile! - Feeds and Lists: You can access your Bluesky feeds and lists by clicking the “#” in the top right corner. Organize your content through the top menu.
- Customizable Profiles and Feeds: You can choose whether you want to see “All posts”, “Only photos” or content “Only posted from Pinksky” .
- Chronological Feed: No algorithms.
- Community Interaction: Engagement features like comments and likes.
In an interview with TechCrunch, Souza, the developer of Pinksky, described the app as an experiment but noted its potential to evolve if platforms like Mastodon or Pixelfed show interest in integration.
Bluesky with Metricool
If you’re already using Bluesky Social, tools like Metricool can help you schedule and analyze the performance of your posts. Try out different content types, see what works best, and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Even if Pinksky isn’t quite the perfect fit yet, it’s always smart to stay on top of the latest options available.
As more people become disillusioned with big platforms, we’re likely to see new apps emerging to fill the gap. Are you using any of these new alternatives? Let us know!
