A new app called PinkSky might be the perfect alternative for Instagram users growing increasingly frustrated with Meta’s recent moves. The app, which launched this week, looks and feels almost exactly like Instagram but with one big difference. It’s built on Bluesky, the decentralized social network that lets users own their data. For many, PinkSky’s timing couldn’t be better.
Pinksky is a photo client for Bluesky.
Start using it at pinksky.social
— Pinksky (@pinksky.app) January 28, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Meta has faced backlash lately for quietly rolling out changes to Instagram, like swapping its classic blue accent for purple and replacing the square profile grid with a rectangular one. But the real tipping point came earlier this month when users discovered Meta had automatically followed pro-Trump accounts for some Facebook users and blocked hashtags like #Democrat. Many argue the company is leaning into political bias, as detailed in our recent report on how Big Tech’s cozying up to Donald Trump.
Enter PinkSky. The app mirrors Instagram’s layout button-for-button, from its story bubbles to its grid-style feed. Users log in with their existing Bluesky accounts, and their posts automatically sync across both platforms. Early adopters say “It’s literally how IG used to be,” but without Meta’s recent heavy-handed policies.
But PinkSky isn’t flawless. Some users reported login hiccups, particularly with two-factor authentication, and Android fans are still waiting for the app to hit the Play Store. Developers say fixes are coming soon, including OAuth support for smoother sign-ins.
Over on Reddit, reactions are mixed but hopeful. “Was waiting for this since ages,” wrote one user, while others asked for features like direct messaging or a “Discover” tab. Despite the gaps, many see PinkSky as a fresh start. Unlike Instagram, where Meta controls user data, Bluesky’s open network means anyone can build apps like PinkSky without gatekeeping your posts or preferences.
In fact, there’s already another popular third-party client that aims to offer the Instagram experience on BlueSky’s platform called Pixelfed. We might even see more such clients pop up to cater to the crowd looking to leave Instagram behind, such as wrestler ‘Hangman’ Adam Page.
Having said that, PinkSky’s success hinges on whether it can keep that Instagram simplicity while offering what Meta no longer does. For now, it’s a sign that users want choice. And with Bluesky’s decentralized model, they might finally get it.
Dwayne Cubbins
591 Posts
For nearly a decade, I've been deciphering the complexities of the tech world, with a particular passion for helping users navigate the ever-changing tech landscape. From crafting in-depth guides that unlock your phone's hidden potential to uncovering and explaining the latest bugs and glitches, I make sure you get the most out of your devices. And yes, you might occasionally find me ranting about some truly frustrating tech mishaps.
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