10 Best Photo-Sharing Social Media Apps

Instagram is undoubtedly the most widely used and versatile photo-sharing app. However, with the emergence and spread of tools for business and shopping, Reels, Instagram Video, and Explore page, Instagram is now primarily perceived as a platform for entertainment, business development, and as a news source.

People who want to focus on communication find Instagram too distracting and cluttered. Ads, suggested posts, a large variety of content formats - all this distracts from regular social interactions.

At the same time, content creators who want to monetize their content on Instagram face various challenges. The platform’s algorithms demand constant production of high-quality content, frequent interactions with the audience, and quick adaptation to new trends. Despite these efforts, Instagram doesn’t offer direct monetization for content creation, leaving creators to find alternative ways to earn income.

As a result, there is a growing interest in alternative platforms that prioritize communication and offer unique features tailored specifically for content creators. We have analyzed what the current market can offer and gathered a list of 10 amazing photo-sharing apps like Instagram, focused on meaningful interactions and a supportive environment for content creators.

In this article, we will explore…

The best photo-sharing apps for communication such as

• Snapchat
• Cluster
• BeReal
• Lemon8
• Locket

Such photo-sharing apps for content creators such as

• Pinterest
• VSCO
• Sunroom
• GuruShots
• EyeEm

Yes, we dare to claim that these apps will make you forget about Instagram. Interested?

Top photo-sharing apps for communication

The apps we have gathered in this list are all centered around communication way more than Instagram does; they allow users to connect, share, and engage with each other in creative and dynamic ways.

Snapchat

Snapchat is one of the most popular photo-sharing social media focused on interactivity and communication. People don’t use it to scroll through feed and stay updated on what’s happening in the world. Instead, they use it for social interactions, sharing random photos decorated in their own unique style which allows them to express and share their emotions with friends.

What makes it better for communication than Instagram?

• Photos disappear after being viewed which creates an illusion of real-time communication. Meanwhile, Stories, posts, and DMs on Instagram are permanent, which makes users focus more on quality and visual appeal than on interactions.
• Streaks feature encourages daily communication and adds a game-like effect to it: Streak starts when two users send photos to each other within a 24-hour period for three days in a row. To maintain the Streak, both users must continue to send photos to each other at least once every 24 hours.
• Snapchat’s AR lenses and filters are integrated directly into messaging which allows making conversations more engaging and fun.
• Snapchat is primarily designed for direct communication with friends through Snaps and Chats. Instagram, in turn, is more oriented towards broadcasting to a wider audience, with a significant focus on likes and comments on posts.

What users don’t like about Snapchat?

• New users often find Snapchat’s interface confusing and overwhelming, making it difficult to navigate the app efficiently.
• Snapchat’s photo editing tools are limited compared to other apps, which can be frustrating for users who are accustomed to more advanced editing options.

Cluster

If you like sharing moments with your friends and relatives but don’t like any publicity, Cluster is probably a better photo-sharing app for you than Instagram. The app is built specifically for intimate sharing among small groups, so you won’t have to worry about privacy.

What makes it better for communication than Instagram?

• Cluster allows users to create private groups where only invited members can join. This feature is designed for sharing photos and videos with family, close friends, coworkers, or specific groups like teams or clubs.
• Cluster users can create shared albums where all members can contribute photos, and get notified when someone has added a photo.

What users don’t like about Cluster?

• Cluster doesn’t offer any photo-editing tools.
• Some users find the interface of Cluster not so polished compared to other photo-sharing apps.

BeReal

“The app designed to bring authenticity back to social media” - this is how BeReal positions itself on the market. This app encourages effortless sharing in contrast to planned, curated posts that mainly aim to gather more likes and comments. That is why some people even label BeReal as “anti-Instagram.”

What makes it better for communication than Instagram?

• BeReal sends a daily notification at a random time, encouraging users to capture and share photos within a two-minute window. All users are prompted to post at the same time, creating a unique sense of connection and real-time sharing. This spontaneity promotes genuine communication and shared experiences.
• BeReal has a special camera that allows capturing both a selfie and a frontal photo simultaneously. This unique feature allows users to share both what they are seeing and their reaction to it, adding a personal touch to the shared moments.
• Unlike Instagram, where users are accustomed to edit their content, BeReal emphasizes sharing real content without retakes or editing.

What users don’t like about BeReal?

• BeReal lacks general social engagement features, like likes and comments.
• Some users emphasize the absence of at least the most basic photo editing features as a drawback.

Lemon8

Lemon8 is an app that combines the inspirational content of Pinterest with the format of Instagram posts, centered around communities of shared interests. Let’s say you are a book enthusiast. On Lemon8, you can find yourself immersed in a community of fellow readers, sharing book reviews, discussing literature, and discovering new reads.

What makes it better for communication than Instagram?

• The platform emphasizes niche interests (like lifestyle, makeup, wellness, food, fashion, beauty, and so on), allowing for more targeted communication.
• Lemon8’s interface makes it easier for users to discover and interact with content creators who align with their interests. This focused discovery process enhances communication by connecting users with creators and communities that share their specific interests, rather than a broad, generalized audience.

What users don’t like about Lemon8?

• The app’s algorithms promote polished, aesthetically pleasing content. Thus, posting may seem too time-consuming for those who are accustomed to more casual sharing.
• Some users claim that some of the content and reviews on Lemon8 may be sponsored or not entirely organic.​

Locket

Locket is an app that allows users to share photos directly to the home screen of their friends’ devices through a widget. The main ideas that stay behind Locket are simplicity and spontaneous photo sharing.

What makes it better for communication than Instagram?

• Locket is designed for sharing moments with a group of close people. Users can share photos with up to 20 friends, ensuring that shared content remains private and within a trusted circle.
• The widget format allows users to see live updates from close people directly on their home screens and react to them with emojis. This creates a more personal connection compared to Instagram’s timeline-based feed.
• Locket’s straightforward approach to photo sharing, without the distractions of likes, comments, and hashtags, emphasizes genuine connections over social validation.

What users don’t like about Locket?

• There are some concerns about inappropriate content being shared without proper moderation.
• Currently, Locket is primarily available on iOS. The Android version offers fewer features.

These apps prioritize genuine communication and personal connections, making them appealing alternatives to Instagram for those seeking more intimate and interactive photo-sharing experiences.

Photo-sharing apps for content creators

For many content creators, Instagram falls short when it comes to monetization and gaining visibility. The platform's algorithm tends to favor popular, mainstream content, making it challenging for niche creators to find their audience. We have gathered a list of the best social media for photographers and content creators that are made specifically for content creators and can address these issues.

Pinterest

Pinterest is one of the best photo-sharing apps for visual discovery platforms that allows users to both share and explore creative content. It serves as a digital bulletin board where users can “pin” images to personal boards, making it a great space for content creators to demonstrate their work and attract followers.

What makes it better for content creators than Instagram?

• Pinterest operates just like a search engine, allowing users to discover content through keywords and categories. This allows for better discoverability of creators’ works compared to Instagram, where content is primarily found via hashtags.
• Each pin on Pinterest can link back to a creator’s website, allowing for a simpler path for users to explore more of the creator’s work.
• Pinterest offers a more precise targeting of audiences interested in specific topics. Creators can optimize their pins with keywords and descriptions, reaching users who search for particular types of content.

What users don’t like about Pinterest?

• Frequently changing algorithms that affect what content appears in users’ feeds sometimes make it less relevant to their interests.
• Some users emphasize the increasing number of ads and promoted pins can detract from the user experience.

VSCO

VSCO is a social media for photographers, artists, and visual storytellers. The platform is designed for content creators who seek a professional environment to showcase their work and want to connect with like-minded personalities.

What makes it better for content creators than Instagram?

• VSCO offers a wide range of advanced, professional-grade presets and editing tools, allowing creators to fine-tune their images with precision.
• The platform has attracted a community of serious photographers who value quality and creativity, providing a more supportive and appreciative audience.
• VSCO doesn’t display likes or comments publicly, reducing the pressure of social validation. This encourages creators to focus on quality rather than on metrics.
• While Instagram can overshadow less mainstream or experimental works, VSCO’s algorithms prioritize aesthetics over popularity, giving creators a better chance of being noticed.

What users don’t like about VSCO?

• The advanced editing tools, while powerful, can be complex for new users, like inexperienced or amateur photographers, leading to a steep learning curve.
• Users who are accustomed to apps like Instagram find VSCO’s interface less intuitive.

Sunroom

Sunroom is basically an app that bridges the gap between Instagram and OnlyFans, combining the content-sharing and community aspects of Instagram with the direct monetization features of OnlyFans. It positions itself as an inclusive and body-positive environment that empowers users, particularly women and non-binary individuals, to earn on their content.

What makes it better for content creators than Instagram?

• Sunroom permits creators to monetize their content with the help of subscriptions and tips, providing a simple and reliable income stream compared to Instagram, where monetization relies on external sponsorships and partnerships.
• The platform stands out for enhanced safety features, such as anti-screenshot technology “SunBlock” and human-first moderation.
• The app fosters a supportive community where creators can freely express themselves without fear of any judgment or discrimination.
• Sunroom encourages interactions between creators and their audience through such methods as coaching, anonymous Q&A sessions, personalized messages, and exclusive content.

What users don’t like about Sunroom?

• As a new and niche platform, Sunroom has a smaller user base which limits growth opportunities for creators looking to reach a wider audience.
• The platform has quite basic editing tools and customization options.

GuruShots

GuruShots is a unique photography app that combines the elements of social networking, competitions, and gamification. The platform offers an environment where both amateur and professional photo enthusiasts can showcase their work, participate in challenges, and receive feedback.

What makes it better for content creators than Instagram?

• GuruShots is designed around themed photography challenges, motivating photographers to participate actively​.
• The platform uses a gamified system where photographers can level up from “Newbie” to “Guru”. This progression system adds an element of fun and achievement​​.
• GuruShots allows users to vote on each other's photos and leave comments, simplifying a more direct and interactive form of feedback. Additionally, the platform's voting system ensures that all photos receive a similar number of views.
• The app offers real prizes for winners of its competitions, which can include cash rewards, photography gear, and opportunities to participate in international exhibitions.

What users don’t like about GuruShots?

• The app is heavily commercialized which detracts some users from the pure enjoyment of photography.
• The pay-to-win elements make some users feel frustrated since those willing to spend more money have a competitive edge over others.​

EyeEm

EyeEm is a photography platform and community that blends social networking with an online marketplace for photographers, allowing photographers to showcase, share, and sell their works. It also features a comprehensive range of tools and resources designed to support both amateur and professional photographers.

What makes it better for content creators than Instagram?

• EyeEm uses advanced AI technology, known as EyeEm Vision, to analyze and tag photos based on their qualities and concepts, helping photographers easily gain visibility​​.
• Photographers can sell their images to businesses and individuals via EyeEm’s marketplace.
• EyeEm offers extensive educational resources, including tutorials and articles from industry professionals, providing opportunities for learning and community engagement that are specifically tailored to photographers​.

What users don’t like about EyeEm?

• The approval process for getting images into EyeEm’s marketplace is slow.
• There is some ambiguity regarding the earnings from sales; photographers receive a portion of the sales, but the exact percentage and conditions can be unclear​.

The described apps provide diverse opportunities for content creators to showcase their work, engage with their audience, and monetize their content. They offer more specialized tools and environments than Instagram for those looking to grow their presence and income in the creative industry.

Conclusion

Instagram remains a dominant force in the world of photo-sharing. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s the best fit for everyone, especially for those seeking more focused communication or unique opportunities as content creators.

For example, platforms like Snapchat and Cluster are more suitable for intimate and spontaneous connections with friends as they prioritize communication over polished aesthetics. On the other hand, apps like EyeEm and Sunroom cater to content creators by providing transparent monetization options.

The examples of photo-sharing social media apps we mentioned in this article not only address the limitations of Instagram but also offer distinct features that can enhance user experience. Try to explore these apps to open up new avenues for creativity and connection.