Foto, an alternative to Instagram focused on photography and sharing, emerges from beta for iOS and Android

Foto, the chronological feed-focused photography app positioned as an alternative to rival Instagram, is now officially available on Android and iOS. Designed from the start to emphasize photography and photo sharing, Foto seems more like old-school Instagram. The app, according to the developers, is not about building a social media following.

This is a free app by default, but there are options to become a Foto Ambassador which has a $5 per month tier, $50 yearly plan, plus a $500 lifetime membership. Ambassadors get a profile badge, early access to new service updates and functions, plus upcoming Pro-specific features. (A full Foto roadmap outlines upcoming functions.) These prices will increase to $6, $60, and $600 respectively from March 8, 2025. After that date, Foto will introduce a $10 per month “Pro+” tier which provides unlimited Portfolio creation options.

Foto is the latest in a batch of photo apps, like Glass, that is attempting to build a business around the core photo experience, rather than social media algorithms. Flickr, which celebrated its 20th anniversary Feb. 10,  has also pivoted to this approach.