Instagram shakes: Bluesky will launch a photo-sharing app

bluesky is gaining strength and can become a serious rival to Meta and X. The social network plans to launch photo sharing app. A dedicated application known as Flashes will use the same Bluesky protocol and will be available very soon.

According to TechCrunchAn independent developer uses the AT protocol to create a photo-centric application. Flashs filters Bluesky’s feed for posts that contain photos or videos. and displays them on a timeline. By using the same protocol, both applications are compatible and users can interact with the content.

New application supports messages containing up to four images and videos with a maximum duration of one minute. By using the same protocol, both applications are compatible and messages created in Flashes are also visible in Bluesky. Other features such as comments or direct messages are also integrated and synchronized between them.

Flashes is the work of Sebastian Vogelsang, a Berlin-based developer with prior experience with the AT protocol. A few months ago, Vogelsang launched Skeets, a Bluesky client optimized for the iPad and offering a wide range of accessibility features. The developer recognized the potential to diversify Bluesky’s app ecosystem, so he decided to adapt the Skeets code to develop an app focused on photos and videos.

Flashes could steal users from Instagram and increase Bluesky’s share

The first version contains some limitations and there are still some problems to be solved. Vogelsang said he plans to implement metadata in Flashes so users can filter media content within the main Bluesky app. The developer is also working on integrating subscription-based features so you only pay one membership for two apps.

The author believes that Flashes could increase Bluesky’s user base. The photo and video-based app will attract new audiences who want to move away from Instagram or TikTok. “This can give them an entry point into the network, into the entire protocol,” Vogelsang said, while emphasizing that Flashes is not an Instagram clone (nor does it claim to be).

There will be outbreaks Available in the coming weeks for iOS users.. Sebastian Vogelsan has posted screenshots and videos of his work and expects to release a beta version via TestFlight. Those who have an Android mobile phone will have to wait or look for alternatives as there is no evidence that it will reach this mobile operating system.