Vero
It’s a clean, photo-focused Instagram alternative that places creators first. Users can even get themselves verified or “verofied” to make discoverability easy. There are a few things that are making people switch to the app. First, it’s ad-free. Second, there is no algorithm that gives undue advantage to anyone. The FAQ page explains exactly what data it collects and when. Plus, the app is currently free for “early adopters”. While creating a post, you can use a photo, a link to a site, or an audio file. There is also the option to create a post based on a book, an app, a game, or a place. Like on Facebook, you can choose to share posts with the public, close friends or close friends and their friends. Verified accounts include those of Zack Snyder, Kelis and Madonna.
DeviantArt
Once again, it’s dedicated to professional photographers although anyone can join for free. There are a number of galleries to visit and are divided into categories like traditional, animation, and illustrations. The idea is to create a community of artists, so there aren’t only comments but also new chat features as well. A free membership doesn’t have restrictions on how much you upload for public access (there is an 80MB limit on photo sizes) and you even get access to DA’s community of artists and art lovers but if you want to sell your photography as well as exhibit it, then go for a membership.
Flickr
Flickr continues to hit the right notes among photographers. Around for a long time, it is for those who are serious about photography. The free account comes with limitations, like you can upload up to 1,000 items and cannot post what Flickr calls “moderate and restricted content”. Also, you cannot post more than 50 non-public photos. Then you can go into top gear with a pro account that allows unlimited uploads and fewer restrictions around what you can post. Each photo has not only a comments section but also information on where the photo was taken, what camera it was taken on, and at what aperture.
500px
We are moving into all-out photographer territory as 500px is a community for digital photography enthusiasts and aspiring photographers. The USP of the platform is that the focus is not on Reels or Stories but more exploration of people’s work. There is also a proper website where you can explore the best photographs on a bigger screen. You can see images that users find popular and others can comment on your images too. The free tier allows you to upload up to seven photos on the platform each week and also has ads but if you want unlimited uploads, no ads, gallery slideshows and more, you will have to pay.
Grainery
Anybody with an interest in film photography, check out this beautiful website. Though inspired by Instagram but the focus is on film photographers. Plus, the interface is very clean. At the moment, it is available as web version but expect it on iOS and Android soon. Users uploading photographs can add details such as the type of film used, the analogue camera body, and the lens model to the post. There is also the option to mention exposure value and whether the film was pushed or pulled during development and by how many stops. Users can also find an image by searching for a specific camera, lens, or film.
Vsco
Founded in 2011, here photographers can store, edit, and share their work. Up to 15 members can leave comments on the work; nonmember guests can view the work but not see or contribute to the comments. The free version of the app has limited features when it comes to editing but with a VSCO membership, you will unlock access to over 200 presets and advanced editing tools. Making it special is the combination of a camera and editor, and then comes the social element.