| Image: Iris |
Famous street and portrait photographers alan schular Created a new social media app called IrisDesigned to create a cool, ad-free alternative to algorithm-driven, engagement-focused photo sharing apps like Instagram. According to the developers, Irys intends to bring the focus back to photography rather than thinking about metrics like the number of likes and followers.
The app is designed to give photographers control over how “social” they want to be in their social media. When posting, users can choose to display or hide the number of likes, comments, and followers. This flexibility makes Iris less about chasing engagement and more about presenting work in a curated, distraction-free environment.
A quiet corner of the photo-sharing world
While social media remains an important platform for photographers, many have become frustrated with algorithms that prioritize trends and Reels over still photography. Irys positions itself as a smaller, slower alternative – more Vimeo than YouTube, or in this case, more Vimeo than Instagram.
In place of an algorithmic feed, Irys features groups, community spaces organized around shared interests and genres. Photographers can connect, collaborate, and organize meetups or exhibitions. The company also plans to curate exclusive galleries and run a talent hunt with the help of established professionals and partner brands, including Schaller’s frequent collaborator LEICA.
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Irys was created by photographer Alan Schaller in an effort to create a photo sharing app that isn’t driven by algorithms, likes, and followers. Image: Iris |
By emphasizing creative exchange over competition, Iris suggests he aims to appeal to photographers who value community, craft, and privacy rather than constant exposure.
Subscription replaces advertising
According to its developers, Irys does not show advertisements or sell user data, which they consider an important part of the app’s appeal. Instead, it uses a subscription model to support the platform. The free tier allows users to upload up to 100 photos in two collections and join up to five groups. A premium subscription, which costs about $6 per month or $60 per year, removes those limitations and unlocks additional tools and features.
This makes Irys less like a social network and more like a hybrid between a gallery service and a community center. The challenge, as always, will be to convince photographers to pay for what other platforms still provide for free, complete with algorithms and ads.
