Free and privacy-friendly web services

Pixelfed

Free federated photo sharing platform in the Fediverse, designed as a more sober alternative to large social platforms.

Overview

Pixelfed lets you publish and browse photos in a free software environment without copying the model of dominant social platforms. The service suits people who want to share visual content in a more open and transparent setting, with federation through ActivityPub.

Pixelfed is part of the Fediverse: accounts on compatible services can follow, interact and discover content across instances depending on federation rules.

Quick facts

Service URLpix.hostux.net
Service typeFederated photo sharing
Free software usedPixelfed
FederationActivityPub / Fediverse
Project websitepixelfed.org
Source codegithub.com/pixelfed/pixelfed
Account requiredYes to publish and interact fully

Why use Pixelfed

  • Share photos in a federated free software network.
  • Follow visual content outside a closed social platform.
  • Use a calmer interface focused on photos and interactions.
  • Interact with compatible Fediverse accounts.
  • Keep more distance from algorithmic feeds and advertising-heavy platforms.

Main features

  • Photo publication and profile pages.
  • Following, comments, likes and interaction with compatible Fediverse services.
  • Hashtags, discovery and public timelines depending on instance configuration.
  • Privacy and moderation features provided by the platform.

How the service works

  • Pixelfed works through instances, each server with its own policy, moderation and community.
  • The service is part of the Fediverse and can communicate with other compatible platforms via federation.
  • An account created on one instance can follow, view or interact with content hosted elsewhere, depending on the rules and federation in place.
  • As with other federated services, the experience also depends on the choices of the instance you use.

Use cases

  • Publish personal or project photos in a federated network.
  • Follow photographers, communities or visual topics.
  • Use a free alternative to mainstream photo platforms.
  • Connect visual sharing with the broader Fediverse.

Access the service

Service: pix.hostux.net

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