- Flashes is the new application from Bluesky focused on visual content, allowing sharing of up to four images and one-minute videos.
- The app connects directly with Bluesky, syncing posts, comments, and direct messages.
- Developed by Sebastian Vogelsang, repurposes Skeets' infrastructure and launches under Bluesky's decentralized architecture.
- Flashes will be available soon, with an initial beta phase for users of iOS via TestFlight.
The social media ecosystem continues to expand, and Bluesky, the popular decentralized platform, is set to revolutionize the way we share visual content. With over 27.5 million users, their new project, known as Speedlights, promises to compete with giants like Instagram and TikTok without users losing control over their privacy.
In a world where social networks seek to offer unique alternativesFlashes stands as a tool for creators, businesses and everyday users interested in exploring new possibilities. Based on Bluesky’s AT Protocol, this app combines photography and short videos to create an interactive visual experience.
An app focused on visual content
Flashes will allow sharing up to four images and one-minute videos in a single post, something that has already caught the attention of those looking for alternatives to traditional centralized platforms. Posts created in Flashes will automatically appear in Bluesky and vice versa, ensuring a perfect integration between both tools.
This interoperability stands out as one of the main attractions of Flashes. In addition, users will be able to interact with others through comments and direct messages, improving connectivity within the Bluesky community.
From Skeets to Flashes: The Developer's View
Flashes is the fruit of the experience of Sebastian Vogelsang, a Berlin-based developer, known for his work on Skeets, an alternative Bluesky client optimized for iPadWith Flashes, Vogelsang has taken the Skeets codebase to design an app more focused on visual media content.
Vogelsang revealed that his main intention was build an app that would attract new users, especially to those who do not feel an affinity for traditional networks like Twitter. According to him, “Flashes offers an attractive entry point into the Bluesky ecosystem and its open protocol.”
The developer, however, clarifies that Flashes does not seek to be an Instagram cloneBy focusing on essential features such as decentralization and integration with Bluesky, Flashes promises to be a unique tool that prioritizes the privacy of its users’ data.
Key Features of Flashes
Flashes is not just a photo and video sharing app. The platform introduces features designed to enrich the user experience:
- Multimedia Publications: Combine up to four images with a short video.
- Improved connectivity: Comments and DMs synchronized with Bluesky.
- Freemium model: The app will be free, but will offer premium subscriptions with additional features.
- Decentralized architecture: Prioritizes the security and privacy of user data.
In the future, Vogelsang plans to include metadata in posts to avoid cluttering Bluesky’s main feeds with visual content.
Availability and future expectations
The official launch of Flashes is planned in a few weeks, starting with a beta version through TestFlight for iOS devices. Although there are no confirmations yet for Android, the enthusiasm surrounding the app is already palpable.
Bluesky, with its focus on decentralization and privacy, has proven to be a platform that evolves with user demands. Through Flashes, it seeks to not only attract content creators, but also offer its current users a more complete experience. With the continued evolution of social media and the growing interest in more decentralized models, Flashes could become a key tool for those who desire greater creative freedom, privacy, and heartfelt connection with their audience. The integration of visual content into a decentralized environment marks an important step towards the future of social media.
Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.