A brand-new photo-sharing app, Flashes, is making waves as it publicly launched on the App Store this week, racking up an impressive 30,000 downloads within the first 24 hours. Offering users a sleek and familiar Instagram-like experience, Flashes lets people share up to four photos or videos (up to one minute long) per post — blending classic social media features with the innovative power of decentralized networks.
Built on Bluesky’s AT Protocol: The Future of Decentralized Social Media
Created by Berlin-based developer Sebastian Vogelsang, Flashes is built on the AT Protocol (atproto) — the same underlying protocol that powers Bluesky, a rapidly growing decentralized social network with over 32 million users. Because of this integration, Flashes users instantly gain access to Bluesky’s wider audience. Every post shared on Flashes is fully compatible with Bluesky, meaning content doesn’t just stay within the app — it reaches users across the entire Bluesky network, significantly amplifying creators’ visibility.
Beyond Instagram: Flashes Offers More Customization & Control
While Flashes echoes Instagram’s core functionality, it sets itself apart with a level of customization not typically found in traditional social media apps.
Users aren’t bound by a rigid algorithm that dictates what they see. Instead, Flashes connects directly to Bluesky’s ecosystem, allowing access to over 50,000 unique custom feeds. Users can explore content tailored to their preferences, whether that means following niche photography communities, tracking trending topics, or curating their own personalized discovery experiences. Additionally, Flashes comes with built-in feeds showcasing both the top-performing posts and the latest updates across the entire Bluesky network, so users never miss out on what’s buzzing.
Designed for Creators & Photographers
Flashes caters to creatives and photographers looking to showcase their work in the best light. A standout feature is Portfolio Mode, which allows users to handpick and curate the content that appears on their profile. This feature makes it easy to highlight your best shots, ensuring that visitors to your profile get an immediate sense of your style and talent.
Moreover, Flashes includes built-in photo filters, allowing creators to fine-tune their images without needing third-party editing apps. This makes it easy to post polished, eye-catching content on the go — perfect for visual artists, influencers, and casual users alike.
Community-Focused Features & Curated Feeds
Flashes is also tapping into the power of community-driven content. One of its first major updates highlights curated feeds from the Blacksky community — a group that has been actively building tools, custom feeds, and moderation services to support Black creators on Bluesky. By spotlighting curated artistic content from niche communities, Flashes helps amplify diverse voices and bring unique creative work to a broader audience.
Growing Fast & Attracting Investor Interest
The app’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. By Thursday, Flashes had already crossed 40,500 downloads, signaling strong early adoption. Vogelsang has mentioned that he’s had preliminary conversations with investors and is open to funding opportunities, which could help further accelerate Flashes’ growth and development.
As the social media landscape evolves, Flashes presents a refreshing alternative for users seeking creative freedom, community-driven content, and broader reach — all without the constraints of traditional social platforms. Whether you’re a photographer looking to build your portfolio, a content creator searching for your next audience, or just someone craving a more personalized social experience, Flashes might just be the app you’ve been waiting for.
The future of social media is decentralized, and Flashes is ready to shine.
Download Flashes today and start sharing your moments with the world — one post at a time.
