Here’s our top choices for Instagram alternatives, in no particular order.
1. VSCO
VSCO is a robust photo editing app with an impressive spread of filters. It’s similar in ways to Instagram, but with some significant enhancements and omissions. You can:
Take and edit photos
Apply filters
Share and reshare photos
Follow photographers
Socialize
One key point of interest with VSCO is follower numbers are only shown to the account holder. You are the only one who sees how many people are signed on to follow your photographic expression and sharing on the platform.
VSCO has both free and paid usage options and is available for mobile devices, and via their website (with limited functionality.)
2. Vero
On VERO you can post both photos and videos that will appear in chronological order. There’s no algorithm to mix things up and mess with your timeline. You can also:
Like posts
Follow photographers
Comment on their posts
Choose your audience to share content with
Repost other’s content
VERO prides itself on pushing back on issues that Instagram has become infamous for. Things such as privacy, advertising, and algorithms. Without being forced into some profit-incentivized feed you can view and share:
Photos
Videos
Books
Movies
TV shows
Links
Go-to locations
You’re able to control privacy levels on a post-by-post level, rather than for the whole account. This makes VERO an attractive tool for posting different content to different audiences.
VERO is accessible via computer and mobile devices. It’s currently free and the app store states “Free for a limited time: join as a Founding Member now and your subscription is free for life.”
3. Tumblr
Tumblr is a well-established platform for microblogging and social networking. You can share your own content and “reblog” content that others have posted. There are few limiters or rules and the site allows for great design flexibility in how you customize your own space.
Tumblr can be seen as a cross between Instagram and Reddit. Posting images, following influencers, and becoming a part of fan and special interest groups are all part of the experience.
The flexibility of Tumblr makes it an attractive option for ecommerce entrepreneurs. It’s easy to set up and design to present your brand. The social aspects of the site means shared content can be easily followed by interested users.
Tumblr has both free and paid options and is available to use on the website or with a mobile app.
4. 500px
5oopx launched in 2009 and grew as an online network of millions of photographers. The platform’s focus is more on photos than social networking. The algorithm encourages users to connect with like-minded photographers. You won’t feel that what you’re seeing is engagement and profit driven.
On 500px you can:
Post and share photos
Gain exposure
Enter photo contests
Show that you’re available for hire
License and sell your photos
Your images get immediate exposure when you upload as the algorithm is designed to push your photos to like-minded users. The focus of the social community is photography. Feedback on photos is encouraged and can be a valuable tool when you’re learning photography or when you’re already more experienced.
500px has both free and paid options. You can use 500px with their app on Android and iPhone as well as on the website.
Photo by: Adem AY
5. Flickr
Flickr is quite similar to 500px. t’s a great online location to share a portfolio of your work, whether you’re a professional or casual photographer. You can upload, organize and share your photos and videos. By creating Albums you can organize your images easily and creatively.
Curating your own photos and those of others is facilitated using Galleries. You can collect up to 500 photos and videos in a Gallery. This is a great way to network with other photographers on the platform and show them you appreciate their creativity.
Flickr’s old! It’s been around since 2004. It is certainly more focused on quality photography than social networking but does not discount it. You’re more likely to talk about photography on Flickr. Sharing specs and settings, and engaging in conversations about photography.
Flickr has both free and paid options. You can use Flickr with their app on Android and iPhone as well as on the website.
6. Glass
Glass promotes itself as a photo-sharing platform and photography community. It’s designed to keep you interested in photography rather than be addicted to social media. Its sole focus is photography. It makes creating and sharing a portfolio of your work very easy.
There’s no showing off how many likes or followers you have. Social networking focuses on building relationships with other photographers. Not on driving engagement. You get to see when others appreciate your work, but there are no public counts or data mining that powers the advertising as on Instagram.
Its design and features are well thought out with special attention given to security and privacy.
Glass is a pay for use app available for Apple devices and the web.
7. Behance
Behance is a popular sharing platform for:
Photographers
Graphic designers
Illustrators
Architects
And crafters
It’s a great place to share your own work and be inspired by others. Many photographers prefer Behance as a portfolio sharing site. This is because of its functionality that is well designed and easily searchable.
Behance is part of the Adobe empire. It is a great place to showcase your work, especially if you’re seeking job opportunities. You can arrange your work into projects. Each with its own URL making it easy to share with potential clients or existing ones. There’s even an onsite Jobs Link connecting creatives and new work opportunities.
Behance offers both free and paid options and is available as an app or via the website.
8. DeviantArt
DeviantArt is another one of the older options on our list. Launched back in the year 2000 they promote themselves as a platform for emerging and established artists. You can exhibit, promote, and share your photography with a large, enthusiastic community of creatives.
On the site you can:
Showcase your photography
Comment on what others share
Join discussion forums
Engage in real-time chat
