In recent news, Meta announced plans to utilize user data to train their AI, sparking concern and dissatisfaction among many of its users. This decision has particularly unsettled the artist community, who rely on the platform to share their work and connect with audiences. Many artists are seeking alternatives to Instagram that respect their data (or at least better than Meta) and connect with a new audience. I will share some of the best alternative platforms that I use, including promising new options and underrated familiar ones. (the writing of the article is in progress, and I’ll add more recommendations in the coming days).
1. Cara
What is Cara? It is a new social media and portfolio platform that’s focused on artists. It’s meant to be a home where artists can show off their work and have their rights respected. The idea for it came about because of the recent popularity of AI art and the way big art platforms and social medias don’t always protect artists from having their work used without permission. Cara wants to make a stand and let artists know there’s a place for them that’s made by and for artists. The team behind Cara is made up of volunteers who are really passionate about the project, and it’s led by a former CGHUB alumna, Jingna Zhang. The website is now live in Beta, expect new features to be added really soon. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, Cara provides a welcoming environment to nurture your artistic journey. They also integrated Glaze technology into the website, so artists can protect their art from AI mimicry without using the software on their computer (Learn more about this technology on the project website)
I’ve been on the platform for a year and a half now, and it’s showing a lot of promise. Recently, it gained a surge of new subscribers after Meta announced they would use user data to train their AI, Meta AI. While you shouldn’t expect to build a massive audience here, it’s an excellent platform for connecting with fellow artists, which is incredibly valuable in the long run.
Link: Cara.app / My Profile
2. Mastodon.art
Mastodon.art caters to artists with a specific preference for a highly curated community. It’s a Mastodon instance, meaning it’s part of a larger, decentralized network, but with its own set of rules and focus. Here’s what to consider about mastodon.art:
This instance is specifically designed for artists, so expect a high concentration of creative content and fellow artists. Mastodon.art is known for its stricter moderation compared to other Mastodon instances. This can be a positive for artists seeking a safe space free from harassment or inappropriate content (NSFW is allowed, but a filter must be added to the post), but it might also feel restrictive for some.
While the focus on art is a plus, the stricter moderation might limit the diversity of content and perspectives. Consider if a more open Mastodon instance with a broader artist community might be a better fit.
Mastodon.art offers a focused and potentially safer environment for artists, but with a trade-off in terms of user base. In my experience, it’s by far the social network where I have the most pleasant and lasting connections. My engagement rate is sometimes higher there than on Instagram, where I have many more followers.
Link: Mastodon.art / My Profile
3. Artfol
Artfol is a social networking app designed specifically for artists, offering an alternative very similar to the early stages of Instagram. It aims to provide a platform focused on showcasing artwork and supporting artists of all forms of visual art. The app allows artists to create collections, and participate in community challenges, which helps for a bit of exposure. Additionally, Artfol facilitates engagement through text posts, questions, and discussions on the Community tab.
While still in its beta phase, Artfol has received mixed reviews from users. Some appreciate the ease of use, inspiration from challenges, and the potential for networking and exposure. However, others have criticized the app for being slow, lacking an algorithm to boost visibility, and being heavily weighted towards certain art styles like digital portraits and anime-inspired work. My style is a mix of anime/American comics, so I don’t mind this, but it could bother some of you depending on your preferences and art style.
Link: Artfol.co / My Profile
4. Discord
Discord has emerged as a powerful alternative to Instagram for artists in the last few years, offering a unique platform that fosters deeper community engagement and collaboration. Unlike Instagram, which primarily supports one-way communication through posts and stories, Discord enables artists to create and join servers where they can interact with fans and peers in real-time through text, voice, and video channels. This two-way communication allows for more meaningful connections and feedback. Artists can share their work, receive instant reactions, and even collaborate on projects within these communities. Additionally, Discord’s features, such as role assignments and dedicated channels, help organize discussions and activities, making it easier for artists to manage their communities. The platform also supports monetization options, such as subscription-based access to exclusive content, which can provide artists with additional revenue streams. Discord’s versatility and community-centric approach make it a valuable tool for artists looking to build a loyal fanbase and network with other creatives. I cannot emphasize this enough: at some point, it is essential for artists to gain more control over their work and not rely solely on platforms owned by companies that frequently change their algorithms. These changes dictate what we share, how we share it, when we share it, and whether our audience even sees it. This realization led me to create my own website a year and a half ago, following a year of stress on Instagram.
Discord servers can become hubs for sharing art resources, tutorials, and inspiration. Artists can discover new tools, techniques, and reference materials, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
It’s important to remember that finding the right Discord server is key. Look for servers focused on art that align with your interests and artistic style to get the most out of the platform.
Link: Discord.com
5. Pixiv
Pixiv is an online art community that originated in Japan and has gained popularity worldwide, especially among artists with an anime art style. The platform provides a comfortable space for artists to upload their creations and connect with other creators. One of the key advantages of Pixiv is its specialization in anime-style art, which sets it apart from more general art platforms. This specialization leads to a higher concentration of high-quality anime art on the platform. Pixiv also offers artists the ability to gain support from fans, and interact with other creators with similar content and interests. While Pixiv does have a premium membership option, it is not necessary to access the core features of the platform, making it an affordable and worthwhile option for artists looking to showcase their work and connect with a dedicated community. BUT…
Pixiv is primarily a Japanese-based online community for artists, with the majority of its users being Japanese speakers. The platform has made efforts to become more accessible to international users, including introducing an English interface and translations, the core user base remains predominantly Japanese. English speakers may face language barriers and potential resistance from some members when attempting to fully integrate into the core Pixiv community.
Link: Pixiv.com / My Profile
