In a digital landscape dominated by advertisers and algorithm-driven feeds, Instagram often sidelines the very creators it showcases. Enter Irys, a novel platform designed to prioritize exceptional photography over distracting ads and fleeting social media fads, providing a much-needed breathe of fresh air for photography enthusiasts.
Understanding the Irys Social Network
Despite being a visually-driven platform, Instagram doesn’t always showcase photographers prominently. This gap inspired photographer Alan Schaller to develop Irys—a dedicated space where photographers can share their art and connect with fellow creators. Having once amassed over a million followers on Instagram, Schaller found the constant adaptation needed to navigate shifting algorithms draining. He aspired to cultivate a genuine community focused on creative expression rather than mere follower counts.
While still in its early stages, Irys is steadily growing and fostering a tight-knit community of photographers. Currently available on iOS and Android, a web version is highly anticipated for those who prefer larger screens. However, users can conveniently cast content from their mobile devices to their larger displays.
Key Differences Between Irys and Instagram
One of the standout features of Irys? No ads—none at all, even for users on the free tier. With no advertisements, there’s no need for the platform to collect user data for targeted marketing, ensuring a more private experience.
In contrast to Instagram’s emphasis on follower engagement and metrics, Irys places photography at the forefront, eliminating follower counts from profiles. This privacy allows users to focus more on their art rather than chasing popularity.
The platform also boasts features tailored to enhance the presentation of photography:
- Support for photos up to 30MB in size, with 50MB support on the horizon
- Full-screen viewing mode
- Inclusion of various aspect ratios without cropping
- Ability to organize photos into collections
- Option to display EXIF data, which can be kept private if desired
Irys offers a more relaxed user experience, allowing users to enjoy captivating visuals rather than engaging in endless scrolling typical of other platforms.
Discovering Photographers to Follow
Upon joining Irys, users aren’t overwhelmed with trending posts or endless suggestions—an experience reminiscent of many other social networks. By tapping the Home button, the initial view may seem simplistic, with only a recommendation to follow others.
Users can explore suggested content by selecting either Posts or Users. The platform initially showcases a curated “Highlights” collection, carefully assembled by the Irys team. Alternatively, users can scroll for recently uploaded photos.
By tapping on a photo, users can access both that image and related content. Visiting a photographer’s profile allows for a broader view of their work, and if something resonates, simply tapping Follow will keep you updated.
For those who need specific content, the search function allows users to look for particular terms, helping to connect them with photographers specializing in various niches—not by topics or keywords but through their visual work.
It’s important to note that following a user will limit your feed to their latest uploads, so initially, the home feed may seem sparse.
Engaging in Community Groups
One of the most rewarding aspects of Irys is its group functionality, which allows users to engage in meaningful conversations around shared interests—not merely posting into a void as seen on Instagram. The group experience on Irys is akin to that of Facebook.
Navigate to Search and select Groups to browse available options. A Highlights section helps users discover the most active groups, enhancing community engagement.
Your involvement in groups is flexible; you can either contribute your own insights or simply enjoy the discussions. Starting in October 2025, Irys introduced contest features, allowing groups to host challenges that encourage participation, some of which even offer cash prizes.
Uploading Photos and Organizing Collections
Irys allows users to engage as little or as much as they desire; casual observers are welcome alongside dedicated photographers. If you choose to upload your work, you can add up to three photos at a time by tapping the + icon, selecting your desired resolution, and adjusting your settings. If preferred, you can opt out of displaying EXIF data.
Crafting insightful titles and descriptions enhances discoverability. By default, new images will belong to your Gallery, but you have the option to create themed collections by selecting Post to -> Create Collection, which can be viewed later.
Free User Limitations
Irys operates on a two-tier system—free and premium—to maintain its ad-free environment and social network viability. Free users face certain restrictions, including limitations on uploads; they can post a total of up to 100 images, with a cap of 10 per day. It’s essential to note that Irys isn’t a photo storage service but rather a community dedicated to photography.
Free users also experience restrictions on resolution and can create only two collections and join up to five groups. For those seeking higher resolution images and more extensive posting capabilities, a premium membership is available for $60 annually or $6 monthly.
While Instagram caters primarily to influencers and creators looking for typical social media interactions, Irys presents a refreshing alternative for those serious about photography or those seeking a platform that truly celebrates the art of visual storytelling.
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