About Pixelfed
Pixelfed is a photo and video sharing platform that runs on a decentralised network. It is free to join and built around chronological feeds.
What it does
Pixelfed lets people share photos, albums and short stories with their followers. Feeds are chronological rather than shaped by an algorithm, so you see posts in the order they were made. You can add comments, likes and direct messages, and apply filters to your photos. Posts can be unlisted or limited to followers, and you can approve people before they follow you. The platform connects with other ActivityPub services, so you can interact with accounts on Mastodon and similar networks.
Key features
- Photo and video posts with albums
- Chronological feeds
- Followers-only and unlisted posts
- Direct messages and threaded comments
- Connects with Mastodon and other ActivityPub apps
Who it's for
Photographers and people who want a calmer photo feed with fewer ads. It suits communities that want to run their own server with their own rules for content and members.
Pricing and good to know
Pixelfed is open source under the AGPL and free to join. Running your own server requires hosting and regular upkeep. The project is funded by supporters rather than advertising. Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android. Pick a server whose moderation rules and community suit you, because your experience depends a lot on who runs it.
Highlights
- Photo and video posts with albums
- Chronological feeds without algorithm
- Unlisted and followers-only posts
- Comments, likes and direct messages
- Works with Mastodon accounts
