An independent developer has launched Flashes, a photo-sharing app based on the technology behind the Bluesky platform. Positioned as an alternative to Instagram, Flashes is now available for public testing on iOS.
Features and Future Updates
Flashes allows users to share up to four images and videos up to one minute long, as well as send private messages. Developer Sebastian Vogelsang has announced upcoming features, including push notifications, multi-account support, bookmarks, image editing, and Stories. Users will also be able to post content to both Flashes and Bluesky simultaneously, according to PCMag.
Availability and Bluesky’s Growth
Currently, Flashes is available for download on iOS through Apple’s TestFlight. However, Vogelsang has cautioned that some technical issues may arise, which are actively being addressed in collaboration with Apple engineers.
The app’s launch coincides with the Bluesky social network reaching 31 million users, fueled by increasing dissatisfaction with the X platform (formerly Twitter), adds NIX Solutions. In 2024, Bluesky’s audience grew ninefold, introducing new features such as filtering replies to only those from followed users. Meta is also following Bluesky’s lead by integrating similar features into its Threads app.
We’ll keep you updated as more developments unfold.