Flashes, a photo-sharing app built on Bluesky's AT Protocol, has seen rapid growth since its public launch on the App Store this week, with nearly 30,000 downloads in its first 24 hours. The app, developed by Berlin-based developer Sebastian Vogelsang, offers a classic Instagram-like experience, allowing users to upload up to four photos and videos of up to a minute in length.

What sets Flashes apart from other photo-sharing apps is its integration with Bluesky, a social networking startup with over 32 million users. This means that all posts made on the Flashes app are compatible with Bluesky, giving users access to a built-in audience beyond those using the Flashes app itself. This could be a significant advantage for Flashes, as it allows users to tap into an existing user base and increase their online visibility.

In terms of features, Flashes offers a more customizable experience than Instagram. Instead of being limited by a company-controlled algorithm, users on Flashes can access over 50,000 custom feeds on Bluesky, allowing them to curate the network's content to their liking. The app also offers built-in feeds for top posts and latest posts across Bluesky's network, giving users more control over the content they see.

Flashes is also catering to photographers looking to showcase their work. A "Portfolio Mode" allows users to curate their profile by choosing what media will appear to visitors, enabling them to feature their best photographs upfront. Additionally, posts created in Flashes can be edited using built-in photo filters, similar to Instagram.

In a move to support artists, Flashes is kicking off its recent update with curated feeds from the Blacksky community. Blacksky has been building out Bluesky tools for the Black community, including Blacksky feeds, its own moderation service, and other technical features.

Vogelsang, the developer behind Flashes, has had conversations with investors around funding and is open to opportunities. As of Thursday, the app had reached 40,500 downloads, making it one of several new efforts building on top of the Bluesky platform.

The rapid growth of Flashes is a testament to the potential of the Bluesky platform, which is attracting developers and users alike. As the app continues to evolve and add new features, it will be interesting to see how it competes with established players in the photo-sharing space.

Overall, Flashes' customizable approach, built-in audience, and features catering to photographers and artists make it an attractive option for those looking for a more flexible and community-driven photo-sharing experience.