Pixelfed

Pixelfed has photo sharing features similar to Instagram and is sometimes considered an ethical alternative to Instagram. Posts made in the same Pixelfed instance as the user will appear on Local Feed, while posts from other Fediverse instances will be available on Global Feed. The Home Feed, however, will show posts of followed users. The discover page displays images that may be of interest to users. Each post allows for a maximum of 10 photos or videos attached. Pixelfed shares some of Mastodon's features, including an emphasis on discovery feeds and content warnings. == Subsidiary projects ==

Loops Loops is a social network software with a goal to bring TikTok-style shortform videos to the Fediverse. The premiere instance started sign-ups on October 2024. It is operated under the Pixelfed project. A moderation system called 'Trust Score' is to be used in the beta stage. Users can post videos that are up to 60 seconds long. Loops is funded by NGI0 core grant, sponsors, and donations. == Security ==

Pixelfed supports two-factor authentication via time-based one-time password mobile apps. == Reception ==

NLnet argued in 2020 that the tools and features of Pixelfed make it a "more attractive (and ethical) alternative" to Instagram. In February 2023, in a detailed review of whether to leave Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the fediverse, Andrew C. Oliver, columnist for InfoWorld, wrote "Mastodon and Pixelfed feel safer than their non-federated counterparts" and said Pixelfed is the fediverse answer to Instagram. Oliver also said it is early days "in the Pixelfediverse", and that content is more sparse but is either more interesting or at least not manipulative. Charlie Sorrel of Lifewire said Pixelfed shows the flexibility of Mastodon, and has the potential to be much better than Twitter because of ActivityPub. Using Pixelfed has been discussed in books and conference proceedings. In January 2025, 404 Media reported that Meta was blocking posts on Facebook containing links to Pixelfed and 404 Medias stories about Meta's blocking. Additionally, it was reported that Meta was also blocking 404 Medias stories about the censorship. == See also ==