{"id":21363,"date":"2020-01-28T16:00:44","date_gmt":"2020-01-28T16:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.arimetrics.com\/glosario-digital\/pixelfed"},"modified":"2026-10-03T09:09:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-03T09:09:44","slug":"pixelfed","status":"publish","type":"encyclopedia","link":"https:\/\/www.arimetrics.com\/en\/digital-glossary\/pixelfed","title":{"rendered":"Pixelfed"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Pixelfed\"Definition:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pixelfed<\/strong> is an open source<\/a> platform for sharing photographs and other visual posts. It offers similar functions to Instagram, such as profiles, account following, comments, and “likes,” but it operates through a network of independent servers.<\/p>\n

It is part of the fediverse<\/strong><\/a>, a set of services that can communicate with each other using protocols like ActivityPub<\/a>, which defines how compatible servers exchange posts and other activities. This allows a Pixelfed account to interact with users on other servers and compatible platforms, such as Mastodon<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

How Pixelfed works<\/h2>\n

To use Pixelfed, you must create an account on a server, also called an instance<\/strong>. Each instance has its own administrators, rules of use, and registration conditions, although it can connect with others.<\/p>\n

The way it works is similar, in part, to email: having accounts with different providers does not prevent communication. On Pixelfed, two people can be registered on different servers and follow each other’s posts without opening an account on each one.<\/p>\n

This communication depends on the server configuration and moderation policies. Some instances may limit or block the connection with others.<\/p>\n

How to create an account<\/h2>\n

Registration is carried out on the chosen instance. Although the process may vary between servers, these are the usual steps:<\/p>\n

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  1. Choose an instance.<\/strong> It is worth checking its rules, language, theme, privacy policy, and registration availability. pixelfed.social<\/a> is one option, but not the only one.<\/li>\n
  2. Complete the registration.<\/strong> The data requested and the possible approval steps depend on the server.<\/li>\n
  3. Set up the profile.<\/strong> Add an image, a description, and review the privacy options.<\/li>\n
  4. Search for accounts and post.<\/strong> You can follow profiles, share photos, and interact with other people.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    To open an account on an existing instance, it is not necessary to install Pixelfed on your own server.<\/p>\n

    What you can do on Pixelfed<\/h2>\n

    Pixelfed allows you to publish visual content, discover other accounts, and participate in the community. Its main functions are:<\/p>\n