The demand for alternatives to Big Tech's social media apps is on the rise, with users seeking more decentralized and open platforms. This shift is evident in the growing popularity of alternative social networks like Bluesky and Mastodon, as well as the emergence of new Instagram alternatives built on open protocols.

One of the key drivers of this trend is the desire for a more open and decentralized social media experience. Users are increasingly disillusioned with the dominance of Big Tech companies like Meta, which owns Instagram, and are seeking alternatives that offer more control and autonomy. This is particularly true among Gen Z users, who are more likely to leave TikTok for another Chinese social app rather than return to Instagram.

In response to this demand, a number of independent developers are building open, decentralized alternatives to Instagram. These apps are leveraging open protocols like Bluesky's AT Protocol and ActivityPub, which is used by Mastodon and other decentralized social networks. By building on these protocols, these apps are able to offer a more decentralized and community-driven social media experience.

One example of this trend is Pixelfed, a photo-sharing app that launched official mobile apps for iOS and Android in January. Built on ActivityPub, Pixelfed offers a similar experience to Instagram, but with a number of key differences. The app is ad-free, open source, decentralized, and defaults to chronological feeds, making it an attractive alternative for users seeking a more authentic social media experience. Within its first two days on the market, Pixelfed's mobile apps topped 10,000 downloads, demonstrating the strong demand for alternative social media platforms.

Other Instagram alternatives are also emerging on open protocols. Flashes, for example, is an Instagram-like app built on top of the Bluesky social network. The app runs on AT Protocol and offers a photo-first experience, with users able to share and explore photos and videos, as well as send direct messages. Flashes is part of a trio of Bluesky clients built by developer Sebastian Vogelsang, which also includes a Twitter-like app Skeets and a video app Bluescreen.

Pinksky is another Bluesky client that is tackling the idea of offering a photo-first view of the social network. Designed to attract former Instagram users who want to connect over photos instead of viral content or Reels, the app features a familiar interface, including a tappable Stories section at the top. Pinksky users can tap into their existing network of friends and followers from Bluesky, even if those people aren't also Pinksky users yet.

Skygram is a web-based app that is currently in development, offering a more photo-centric Bluesky experience. Within Skygram, users can switch between interest-based feeds at the top of the screen, such as Gardening, Dogs, and others. The app's code is available on GitHub, and it is expected to continue to evolve as development progresses.

The emergence of these alternative social media apps is significant, as it demonstrates a growing desire for more decentralized and open social media platforms. While none of these apps are yet ready to rival Meta's size and scope, their ability to carve out a niche within Meta's shadow is compelling. As investors begin to take notice of the growing open social web, it's likely that we'll see even more innovation and growth in this space in the coming months and years.

Ultimately, the rise of alternative social media apps is a positive development for users, who are seeking more autonomy and control over their online experiences. As the social media landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these decentralized platforms shape the future of social media.