Join Us on Pixelfed

What is Pixelfed?
Think of it like Instagram, but private and self-hosted. Just a private place to share photos with you, our family, while I (John) maintain control of the data and images, instead of handing them over to Zuckerberg.

The primary purpose of this server is to share photos of the new baby, but feel free to post any of your own photos you'd like to share with this group! Keep in mind we have members from both John and Hailey's extended families.

Part 1 of 3

Create Your Account

Open the sign-up link from the group chat

Tap the link that was shared with you. It should open a sign-up page in your browser.

Choose a username

This is how family will find you on Pixelfed. Keep it simple:

First name + last initial, e.g. mary_j
A nickname, e.g. grandma_sue
Add a number if your first choice is taken, e.g. david2

ℹ️ Letters, numbers, and underscores only. No spaces.

Choose a display name

Your display name is the name shown above your posts. We suggest using your full name so the rest of the family can easily recognize who you are.

ℹ️ Unlike your username, your display name can include spaces and capital letters, e.g. Mary Johnson.

Enter your email and create a password

Use an email you actually check. Your password should be something you can remember but others can't guess.

📝 Write your username and password down somewhere safe so you don't forget them.

Part 2 of 3

Download the App Optional

Get the Pixelfed app on your phone

The app is the easiest way to post photos and see what family is sharing. Download the one that matches your phone:

❓ Not sure which you have? If your phone has the App Store, it's an iPhone. If it has the Play Store, it's Android.

Enter our server address, and sign in.

When the app opens, it will ask which server you belong to. Type in this address exactly:

pixelfed.lebaron.cloud

Then enter your username and password and tap Sign In.

The app's server field with our address typed in

The login screen with username and password

The app may ask you to confirm access to your account. Tap Authorize to continue.

The authorization screen asking you to confirm account access

Part 3 of 3

Find Family and Follow Them

Search for a family member

Tap the magnifying glass icon (🔍) and type the username of someone you want to follow. Their profile will appear in the results.

Start out with john and HLeBaron if you're here for baby pictures!

The search bar with a family member's username

Tap Follow on their profile

Open their profile and tap the Follow button. Their photos will start showing up in your feed. Repeat for each family member you want to follow.

You're in

Tap the Home icon (🏠) to see your feed. Like a photo by tapping the heart (❤️), or leave a comment. To post your own photo, tap +, pick a photo, and tap Post.