social-app vs pixelfed
Bluesky's cross-platform app compared with federated photo sharing
social-app is the client for Bluesky Social across web and mobile, while pixelfed is a photo-sharing network connected to the fediverse. The main distinction is scope: social-app is a TypeScript app for an existing network, whereas pixelfed can be self-hosted as a photo-sharing service.
social-app: Bluesky Social for Web, iOS, and Android
Bluesky Social is a social app for Web, iOS, and Android, built with React Native and TypeScript on the AT Protocol. Its codebase includes the app and a small Go service that serves the web application.
pixelfed: Share Photos Across the Fediverse
Pixelfed is a photo-sharing social network designed for people and communities who want to share images across the fediverse. It can be used through hosted instances or self-hosted, with Docker Compose recommended for deployment.
| social-app | pixelfed | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | TypeScript | PHP |
| License | MIT | AGPL-3.0 |
| Stars | 18.4k | 7.1k |
| Forks | 2.9k | 884 |
| Last analyzed | Oct 25, 2026 | Oct 3, 2026 |
Key differences
- social-app targets Web, iOS, and Android; pixelfed focuses on photo sharing across federated services.
- social-app is built with React Native and TypeScript; pixelfed is written in PHP.
- social-app uses AT Protocol packages and Bluesky-specific schemas; pixelfed connects across the fediverse using federation.
- social-app's repository includes the app and a small Go service for serving its web application; pixelfed supports operating a self-hosted instance, with Docker Compose recommended.
- social-app is licensed under MIT, with separate asset and branding considerations; pixelfed is licensed under AGPL-3.0.
- social-app is suited to developers studying or adapting Bluesky's client; pixelfed serves photographers, casual sharers, and communities seeking a photo-focused network.
Choose social-app if you…
- need a client for Bluesky Social on web, iOS, and Android.
- want to study or adapt a React Native and TypeScript app built on AT Protocol.
- plan to contribute focused changes to Bluesky's existing client.
Choose pixelfed if you…
- want a photo-sharing network that connects across the fediverse.
- need to operate a photo-sharing instance for a community.
- prefer a PHP project with Docker Compose as its recommended deployment approach.
Compare the numbers side by side, or add more projects
This comparison is generated with AI from the OSRepos analyses of both projects. Always check each project's repository and documentation before choosing.