Pixelfed
Decentralized photo-sharing social network for the Fediverse
7.1k stars 875 forks last commit first released AGPL-3.0
Actively maintained
Last commit 26 Aug 2026.
Pixelfed is a decentralized photo-sharing social network that lets people publish and discover photos without centralized algorithmic timelines. It uses ActivityPub to federate with other Fediverse platforms, enabling cross-server social interactions.
Key Features
- Photo posts with social interactions such as likes and comments
- ActivityPub federation for following and interacting across Fediverse servers
- User profiles and follower/following model similar to mainstream photo networks
- Web-based interface with a modern front end
- Admin controls for operating an instance and managing local policies
Use Cases
- Run a community or organization photo-sharing platform with its own moderation rules
- Share photography publicly while still interacting with users on other Fediverse servers
- Host a private or invite-only photo network for a group, school, or club
Limitations and Considerations
- Federation behavior depends on compatibility and policies of other ActivityPub servers
- Media storage and bandwidth needs can grow quickly on larger instances
Pixelfed is a strong option for anyone who wants a federated, standards-based alternative to centralized photo-sharing platforms. It combines familiar social features with decentralized deployment and interoperability across the Fediverse.
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