Pixelfed

Pixelfed is a free and open-source image-sharing platform that offers a decentralized alternative to centralized social media services like Instagram. Developed by Canadian programmer Daniel Supernault, Pixelfed utilizes the ActivityPub protocol, enabling interoperability with other federated platforms such as Mastodon, PeerTube, and Friendica. This decentralized architecture ensures that user data is not stored on a single central server, promoting privacy and data sovereignty. The platform allows users to post photos, videos, stories, and collections, with content organized chronologically without algorithmic manipulation. Pixelfed is ad-free and does not engage in data harvesting, focusing instead on providing a pure photography experience and fostering authentic connections. In January 2025, Pixelfed launched official mobile applications for both Android and iOS, expanding its accessibility and user base. The development and maintenance of Pixelfed are supported by the Pixelfed Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Canada, which oversees the project's growth and ensures its alignment with ethical and privacy-focused principles. The foundation operates transparently, with funding from donations and grants, and has no subsidiaries, maintaining a direct relationship with its user community.