Tired of Instagram’s influencer overload, endless ads, and algorithm stranglehold? Imagine a platform where stunning photography reigns supreme, untainted by fleeting trends and intrusive promotions. That’s Irys: pure, unadulterated visual inspiration.
What is the Irys Social Network?
Instagram, a visual mecca, often leaves its creators – photographers – lingering in the shadows. Enter Irys, a platform born from the lens of Alan Schaller, offering photographers a dedicated space to showcase their artistry and connect with a community that truly sees their vision.
Schaller conquered Instagram, amassing a million-strong following. Yet, the thrill faded, replaced by algorithm fatigue and the feeling that social media had turned against photographers. He yearned for something more: a digital haven where community thrived, not algorithms.
It’s not teeming with crowds yet, but you will discover a blossoming haven for photography enthusiasts.
Available now on iOS and Android! Dream of viewing your memories on a bigger screen? A web version is on our wish list too! Until then, beam your photos from your Android device to your TV, or effortlessly mirror your iPhone to your Mac.
What Sets Irys Apart from Instagram?
Imagine a world, uninterrupted. No flashing banners. No intrusive pop-ups. Just pure, unadulterated content. That’s what we offer: a completely ad-free experience, even if you choose our free option. And because we don’t serve ads, we don’t need to track you or build a profile based on your personal data. Your privacy remains yours.
Irys flips the script. Forget chasing likes and obsessing over follower counts. This platform puts the spotlight where it belongs: your photography. Ditch the Instagram rat race of engagement metrics and rediscover the pure joy of visual storytelling. With Irys, your art speaks louder than any number.
You won’t see any follower numbers on profiles. This is completely private to the account owner.
The platform’s also optimized to show your photos in their best light. Some of the best features include:
- Support for up to 30mb photos (50mb photo support is coming soon)
- Full screen viewing
- Built-in support for all aspect ratios, no cropping required
- Create collections to organize your photos
- Shows EXIF data, if you enable it (you’re free to keep this private if you want)
Irys isn’t your typical scroll-and-forget platform; it’s where Instagram gets a minimalist makeover. Imagine trading endless, anxiety-inducing feeds for a curated gallery of breathtaking photographs, all savored at a delightfully unhurried pace. Dive in, and rediscover the simple joy of visual storytelling.
Finding Photographers to Follow
Ready to explore Irys? Dive in by tapping the magnifying glass icon at the bottom – that’s your gateway to discovery. Choose between uncovering trendingPostsor finding fascinatingUsers. Irys welcomes you withHighlights, a handpicked selection from our team. Want something fresh? Simply scroll down for the newest uploads hitting the platform.
Dive into a world of images with a single tap! Unleash a gallery of inspiration by tapping any photo – explore similar visuals and ignite your imagination. Discover the artist behind the lens; tap their name to unlock a treasure trove of their work and a glimpse into their creative world. Inspired? HitFollowand join their visual journey!
Still searching for that perfect visual spark? Dive into the search bar and unearth a treasure trove of images tailored to your exact desires. While you can’t directly follow a keyword, you WILL discover photographers deeply passionate and expertly skilled in capturing your niche vision.
Just followed someone new? Awesome! Keep in mind, your home feed will now showcasetheirlatest snapshots. Don’t panic if it seems a little bare at first – or even totally empty. It just means you’re seeing things in real-time.
Joining Groups
Irys’s groups are a breath of fresh air. Forget the Instagram echo chamber where your voice gets lost in the noise. Unlike Facebook, where you are bombarded by constant ads and drama, Irys offers a curated experience with small groups with niche interests.
Ready to dive into the world of Facebook Groups? TapSearch, then zero in onGroupsat the top. Explore a universe of communities, from hobbyists to professionals. And don’t miss theHighlightssection – your shortcut to the most buzzing and active groups right now!
Ready to dive in? Hit “Join” in the upper right corner. No need to be a showman – lurk, learn, and enjoy the community. Joining simply unlocks the door.
October 2025 marked a new era for Irys, with the arrival of exhilarating contests. User groups can now ignite engagement by posting challenges, designed to spark interaction. Some offer the reward of boosted visibility, while others dangle the irresistible carrot of cold, hard cash.
Adding Photos and Creating Collections
With Irys, dive in or just dip your toes. Lurk, learn, and laugh along with others, or share your own spark. The choice is yours.
Unleash your inner shutterbug! Got a trio of stunning shots itching to be seen? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just snapping for fun, sharing your photographic gems is a breeze. Simply tap the+icon, the gateway to showcasing your visual stories. Finetune your masterpiece by selecting the perfect resolution and tweaking the settings. Want to keep your secrets safe? With a tap, vanish those EXIF whispers – just toggleEXIF Dataoff and your location, camera settings, and other private details remain hidden. Now, go forth and conquer the feed!
Tired of your stunning photos getting lost in the digital abyss? Give them the visibility they deserve! Start by adding descriptive titles and captivating descriptions – think of them as irresistible invitations for viewers to discover your work.
By default, every new image lands in your mainGallery. But for ultimate organization, unlock the power ofCollections. Simply tapPost to >Create Collection, name your masterpiece, and watch your photos find their perfect home. From then on, your custom collection will be readily available, making organization a breeze.
Limitations for Free Users
Irys delivers two experiences: a complimentary taste and a premium dive. To fuel its ad-free haven and sustain this Instagram alternative, select features are reserved for paying subscribers.
Irys lets free users upload 100 photos, 10 daily. Think of Irys as your photo-fueled community, not just a digital shoebox. Connect, share, and inspire!
But that’s not all. Free access unlocks stunning, hi-res photos, BUT pro users experience visual perfection with even higher resolutions. Free users can also curate only two personal collections and dive into a maximum of five collaborative groups.
If you want to upload higher resolution images and post as much as you want, it’s $60/year or $6/month.
Ditch the filters, keep the focus. Instagram’s fine, but if you breathe photography, Irys is your oxygen. Imagine a social network built solely for visual storytellers, not fleeting trends. Or, explore these other havens for photographers seeking something beyond the ‘gram.
Thanks for reading Meet Irys: The Photo Social Network Instagram Will Never Be
