PixelFed

Self-Hosted

Open-source, federated alternative to Instagram for visual content sharing

Overview

PixelFed is a federated social network for photos and videos, part of the ActivityPub ecosystem. It enables users to share visual content (photos, videos, albums, stories) with granular privacy controls (public, followers-only, direct). Deployment options include self-hosting via Docker Compose (with custom domain support) or joining public federated instances. Key features: ad-free experience, optional non-algorithmic feeds, and integration with other Fediverse platforms like Mastodon. It prioritizes user data ownership and privacy over commercial tracking.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  pixelfed:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: pixelfed
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Federated via ActivityPub (interact with users across Fediverse instances)
Photo/video sharing with albums, stories, and privacy controls
Ad-free and optional non-algorithmic content feeds
Custom domain support for self-hosted instances

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is PixelFed hard to install?

Installing PixelFed is accessible with Docker Compose (official documentation offers step-by-step guides), but it requires basic server skills (e.g., managing domains, SSL certificates). If self-hosting feels overwhelming, you can join a public PixelFed instance without any setup.

? Is it a good alternative to Instagram?

Yes—PixelFed is an excellent alternative for users who value privacy and data ownership. It offers core visual sharing features (photos, videos, stories, albums) and avoids ads/tracking. While it lacks some Instagram-specific tools (like Reels editing or influencer analytics), it excels in federation and user control.

? Is it completely free?

PixelFed is 100% free and open-source (licensed under AGPLv3). Self-hosting costs depend on your server provider (if any), but there are no subscription fees. Public instances are typically free to use, though some may accept donations to cover hosting expenses.

Top Alternatives

Instagram Search Google

Facebook Photos Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source

Category Communication - Social Networks and Forums

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (users retain full ownership of their data)
⊕ Federated ecosystem access (connect with Mastodon, PeerTube, etc.)
⊕ No ads or targeted user tracking
⊕ Open-source codebase (customizable for self-hosters)
⊕ Supports both self-hosting and public instance participation

Cons

⊖ Requires basic server knowledge for self-hosting setup
⊖ Smaller user base compared to mainstream platforms like Instagram
⊖ Limited advanced features (e.g., no built-in shopping tools)
⊖ Self-hosted instances need regular maintenance for updates