I experimented with Foto, the alternative to Instagram, and it is both amazing and daunting.

      I'm not against Instagram, but the social app owned by Meta is experiencing changes that have turned off quite a few users, myself included. Following Instagram’s modifications, an app has emerged with promises to photographers and creatives that are hard to resist. It's called Foto, and after months in private beta, it’s now accessible to everyone on Android and iOS.

      Here’s a look at why you might want to try it, what I appreciate about it, and what has also made me feel quite intimidated.

      What does Foto claim to offer?

      Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      Instagram has shifted away from photography and is now focused on social status, video content, Reels, influencers, advertisements, and, judging by my hidden DMs, scammers peddling counterfeit watches. It has evolved significantly over time, losing me when it began to take cues from apps like Snapchat and TikTok, which I prefer not to use. Furthermore, the social aspect that used to allow quick connections with friends has diminished, and the algorithm doesn't prioritize them in my feed anymore.

      While I don’t despise it, I primarily don’t use it. I know that some changes have sparked strong reactions, particularly the enforced 4:5 aspect ratio for posts and the heavy push for creatives to focus on video solely for algorithmic purposes. Instagram has transformed from a platform for still images to something else entirely, which may not appeal to everyone. This shift opens the door for apps like Foto to attract those who are disenchanted.

      Foto promises a feed that is “chronological, ad-free, and un-cropped” specifically for sharing and enjoying photography. It focuses solely on still images and does not support video content. According to a press release, it is designed for individuals who “appreciate the power of images to tell stories and bridge divides.” Unlike other platforms, Foto does not prioritize follower counts or likes, minimizing the social comparisons common in traditional social media.

      What is the experience like?

      Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      Foto operates as a clear alternative to Instagram, but will it become the next version of it, at least for some users? By rejecting most features typical of social networks, can it effectively engage newcomers and ensure they remain? Apps like BeReal have attempted a similar approach, and although it has found some niche following after its brief moment in the spotlight, it hasn’t truly become a “next big thing” but rather established its own identity. After the decline of Twitter and the corruption of Instagram, I’m on the lookout for a new online space. Could Foto be that space for me?

      The app is straightforward. It features a vertically scrolling feed of still images without displaying Like counts or share buttons, though you can double-tap to give a heart to photos you enjoy. To view who posted a photo requires a tap, and another tap is needed to see the photographer’s profile and Follow button. It feels like a gallery app, with less focus on the artist than most social platforms, unless you actively seek them out. Your personal feed looks somewhat like Instagram’s but without enforced formatting.

      Foto respects its users as adults

      Discovery is quite intriguing. You have the ability to search for a username and filter photos by subject, but you cannot search for specific interpretations of those keywords. For instance, you can filter for automotive photography but not for photos featuring a particular brand or vehicle. Another notable difference you’ll quickly observe is a more relaxed approach to censorship in comparison to Instagram. Photos containing nudity are blurred until tapped on to reveal the full picture, granting portrait and beauty photographers considerably more creative freedom and underscoring that Foto treats its users like adults.

      Who is using Foto, and why?

      Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

      Foto is still a nascent platform. Who is currently using it, and how do they feel about their experience? I reached out to wildlife and nature photographer Lyndon Llanes, who showcases his impressive portfolio on both Foto and Instagram.

      “I’ve been doing photography for two years. I’m still in the early stages of my journey, but photography calms my soul. It is currently a hobby, but perhaps it will become more,” he shared via email.

      “I appreciate that the app is simpler than Instagram,” he added, “and I love that the feed is chronological. I don’t feel like my exposure and reach depend on an algorithm, and I’m glad it focuses on photography and still images. I was ecstatic when I realized I wasn’t forced into a vertical crop.”

      But what’s the community like, and how do users connect compared to Instagram?

      “The engagement feels different; it’s more photography-centric,” Llanes noted. “I’ve also noticed that people read the photo descriptions, which isn’t the case on Instagram. Users want to learn the story behind the photo, and I really appreciate that.”

      Llanes intends to build a community on Foto but will continue to share content on both platforms for now, stating that Instagram currently makes it