Well the very simple version is that it's an Instagram alternative (I assume 5 year olds know what Instagram is). Similar in almost every way, minus the ads.

Theoretically you can use it to share photos to Lemmy, but I have no idea how. There was discussion of Pixelfed groups at one point, not sure if they ever came to fruition.

[–] grue@lemmy.world 4 points 2 days ago (3 children)

(I assume 5 year olds know what Instagram is)

ELInot5 what Instagram is?

Seriously, I've never understood the point of it.

[–] Ulrich@feddit.org 3 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

I don't really understand it either. I think it's dumb. And I think PixelFed is dumb. And Mastodon. And Loops. But I'm glad they exist. Everyone is better off if people start switching. Everyone except Meta.

I'm happy with Lemmy+Photon.

[–] MutilationWave@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago

It's a place to post your photos cropped into squares. You can get gratification there because all your friends have to like your photos.

[–] hanrahan@slrpnk.net 1 points 2 days ago

Seriously, I've never understood the point of it.

To sell Ads, like most commercial meida eg newspaper, TV etc etc. Flogging advertising makes money for metas stockholders and others.