# Irys — user reviews

> 85 indexed App Store user reviews of Irys by Silvertone Media Ltd, rated 4.22/5 from 36 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/irys/id6744528226/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/irys/id6744528226.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 26 · 4★ 2 · 3★ 2 · 2★ 2 · 1★ 4

## What do users think of Irys?

Overall sentiment: mixed

**Pros**

- 🤩 Great alternative to Instagram
- 👍 Positive community vibe
- 💡 Focused on photography
- 🤗 Throwback to old Instagram

**Cons**

- 🤢 Awful color scheme and UI
- 🤯 Buggy and freezes often
- 💰 Monetization issues

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App freezes when trying to post
- Invite codes not working

**Most requested features**

- Improve UI and UX design
- Fix bugs and stability issues
- Reconsider monetization strategy

## Newest reviews (15 of 85)

### 2/5 — Slow in upload

*2026-07-28*

When the app first launched, uploading was slow. I stopped using the app. I recently returned out of curiosity and it is still slow. The developer says an update is going to be released. It’s taken a while. The different icons when you like a photo is puzzling and excessive. I supported this app by being a premium member but regret it. Foto is simpler, faster and easier to use.

### 3/5 — Cannot set posts to show image exif data.

*2026-07-23*

I’ve set up on the Irys app for about a month now and am posting regularly, however lately I’ve found I cannot set the app to show image exif data for my images. I select ‘show exif data’ and save, but it still shows exif data not visible. Don’t know if there’s a bug here but grateful for a fix. Thanks

**Developer response:** Hi Dave 

Thanks for reaching out 

Are you able to email us with your Irys username, device model and IOS version, as well as one of the images you're trying to get the EXIF data to show on so we can investigate please?

### 3/5 — Slow user interface

*2026-07-22, version 1.1.4*

The app is slow, buggy, the UX not top.

### 4/5 — IRYS respects its users!

*2026-07-11*

The app isn't perfect but the developers do seem to be working on it.  Strengths:  *No ads.*  *No algorithm. You only see the images from people you follow.*  *YOU OWN YOUR CONTENT!  No AI data scraping.  No one can download your images. (Compare this to how Meta treats its users' content!)*  *Dedicated to actual still photography.*  etc

**Developer response:** Thank you so much for the thoughtful review. It's fantastic to hear that our commitment to photographers, privacy, and ownership of your work stands out. Building an ad-free platform with no engagement algorithm has always been central to our vision, and we're continuing to improve the app with every update. We really appreciate you being part of the Irys community!

### 4/5 — Good app for photographers

*2026-06-29*

With a focus on still photography (pun intended) this is a nice easy & free app to share images with like minded photographers. Would be five stars if there was a easy way to view the images on a larger screen - a laptop say. Shame that good quality photos can’t be seen larger than phone or tablet size.

**Developer response:** Thank you for the kind words! We're really pleased you're enjoying Irys and the focus on still photography. We agree that viewing images on a larger screen is important, especially for photographers who want to appreciate the finer details. A browser experience is one of our most requested features, and it's something we're actively working towards. Thanks for your support—we hope we can earn that fifth star!

### 3/5 — Verification code issue

*2026-06-19*

I am trying set up an account on this app, but cannot get past the verification code stage. The app says a code has been sent but no email appears even though my given email address is correct, and when I try to sign on through my Apple account the same thing happens. Pretty sure the issue is at your end. Fix please. Thanks. Cannot really score until I can access the app.

**Developer response:** Hi Dave 

Thanks for reaching out. This is likely your email provider blocking or filtering out the email from reaching you. Can you reach out to us at hello@irysphotos.com and we'll get your account manually verified so you can log in 

Kind regards 
-Dan

### 2/5 — Good idea poor execution

*2026-06-16*

I love the idea of a photography community without advertising. However, the implementation is poor. The user interface is obstructive and bug ridden. It’s a total faff having to use my phone only. Like most serious photographers most of my pictures are on a computer not my phone. Having to copy each image to my phone first before uploading is a pain. The import does not remember my defaults. There’s so many more problems with the user interface but I’m fed up typing.

**Developer response:** Hi Jhfghvggvb,

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. While we're glad the ad-free, photography-first vision resonates with you, we're sorry the experience hasn't lived up to expectations.

You've highlighted a few areas we know are important to photographers, particularly desktop workflows, upload efficiency, and reducing friction in the user experience. Feedback like this is invaluable as we continue to improve the platform, and we're actively working on making Irys more streamlined and accessible across devices.

Thanks for giving Irys a try and for being candid with your thoughts.

– Dan

### 3/5 — Einfach zu bedienen, interessante Aussteller

*2026-05-28*

Irys als neue Plattform für die Fotografie scheint sich genau auf die Hauptaufgabe der Bildpräsentation zu fokussieren. Erstaunlich ist es daher, dass sie nur IOS nutzt und damit auf die direkte Präsentation auf großen Bildschirmen, wie sie mit macOS möglich ist, verzichtet.

**Developer response:** Hallo Peter,

vielen Dank für dein Feedback und die netten Worte über den Fokus von Irys. Du sprichst einen Punkt an, den viele Mitglieder ansprechen: die Möglichkeit, Fotos auf größeren Bildschirmen zu genießen. Eine Web-, Desktop- und iPad-Erfahrung gehört zu den am häufigsten gewünschten Funktionen in unserer Community und steht bei uns definitiv auf dem Radar.

Danke, dass du Teil von Irys bist.

– Dan

### 3/5 — Good approach but room for improvement

*2026-05-14*

Even though Flickr is my main platform, I recently signed up for Irys and uploaded my first images. The app is easy to use, and I find there are excellent and very inspiring photographers there. However, since I really dislike working on small iOS screens (iPhone/iPad), I find it a great pity that I cannot also access the platform via macOS. Being mobile is a good thing, but using a desktop or workstation is what photographers actually need. Even though it is completely understandable that expanding the platform to macOS would involve additional costs, Irys should consider how this could be implemented (subscription model, one-time purchase, etc.).
Kind regards,
Peter

### 4/5 — Well Done So Far

*2026-04-10, version 1.1.4*

It is really well done. It needs to have more members and high profile photographers. Having the ability to message another photographer would be good. The contests are fun - but perhaps slanted towards street photography. I like being able to upload higher resolution photos. A great alternative to instagram.

### 4/5 — Great photography platform

*2026-03-20*

Some great work has been done here to provide a platform for sharing photographs, where the app doesn’t choose your crop. 

The limits on uploads (10/day) seem silly.

It would be great to have an iPad version so I can use it there in full screen, which is not currently possible.

**Developer response:** Thanks so much, Andrew! Really glad you’re enjoying the platform and the focus on your images. We hear you on the upload limits and iPad experience too, and it’s something we’re looking at. Appreciate you sharing this!

### 4/5 — Appli Smatphone à perfectionner pour un ordi

*2026-03-05*

Excellente initiative mais pas encore fonctionnelle  pour un usage sur ordinateur … Dommage. L’App gagnerait à être optimisée pour permettre de visualiser les images en "grand" et interagir correctement sur un Mac ou PC.

**Developer response:** Thank you for the feedback, Tafar. Irys is currently designed as a mobile-first experience, and at the moment we don’t have a dedicated Mac or PC version. On Apple Silicon Macs, the App Store may allow the iPhone app to run, but it’s essentially the mobile version being stretched rather than a true desktop experience. We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and will keep it in mind as we continue developing the platform.

### 5/5 — Amazing

*2026-03-05*

The app we have all been waiting for, wonderful example of how and app can be made for its users by a member of the photography community and not for clicks and algorithms but about the creativity and art of the thing we all love.

**Developer response:** Hi Russell, thank you for the kind words! It really means a lot to us. Irys was built by photographers for photographers, so it’s great to hear that the focus on creativity and community is coming through. We really appreciate your support. 📷

### 2/5 — Good intentions, but looks dated and clunky.

*2026-03-04*

There are some very good intentions here. 
I love the fact that high-resolution images can be posted, the ‘group’ system is interesting and, although some disagree, I feel that the subscription cost is reasonable.
However, the UI is pretty awful - it reminds me of apps we used to see in the early days of smartphones.
Also, there is no native iPad app, which is a non-starter for me. It seems odd that the extra screen real-estate available on the iPad is not being used to make the most of those high-res images.
Not for me at the moment.

**Developer response:** Hi John, thanks for the thoughtful feedback! We’re glad you like the high-resolution uploads and groups. The design is intentionally kept minimal so the focus stays on the photography itself, which we know won’t be everyone’s preference. You’re absolutely right about the benefits of a larger screen for viewing images though, and iPad support is something we're exploring as Irys continues to grow.

### 5/5 — Great for photographers!

*2026-03-04*

It took a little getting used to, like any new platform. But I am LOVING it now! A lot of people complain about the optional $5/month subscription for premium membership… but I feel like it’s a steal to be able to participate in the photo competitions with amazing prizes! I also love that it’s not locked for any time period. But to be able to post images at full resolution and no crop is amazing! Also, super fun to join groups with similar interests. I feel my work is seen better here in the few months I’ve been on it than the years I’ve spent on Instagram or Facebook. Great job Irys team!

**Developer response:** Hi, thank you so much for the kind words! We’re really glad you’re enjoying Irys! It means a lot to hear that the full-resolution uploads, groups, and competitions are helping your work get seen. We appreciate you being part of the community. 📷

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — Can’t log in following update

*2026-08-21*

Unable to log in

**Developer response:** Hi 

Thanks for your review! We don't currently have an Ipad version however this is something we hope to release in future. 

When you access the app via an Ipad, this isn't an Ipad version made by us, but instead it's Apple running the mobile app in compatibility mode on your Ipad, which is why it looks small or low quality. 

The App isn't intended to be used on an Ipad but Apple do this by default to enable more people to be able to access apps. 

I assure you this isn't us! 

kind regards 
Dan

### 1/5 — No

*2026-08-03*

Not suitable for me now it won’t let me delete it

### 1/5 — Can’t access my account

*2026-06-29*

I’m a paid up member. For some reason I was logged out by the system and the app now won’t accept my credentials. I tried changing my password and no email arrived to verify my email. I tried to contact Irys at their website and was unable to find contact details. Unprofessional. I’m not wasting any more time on this.

**Developer response:** Hi 

Thanks for reaching out. If you haven't done so already, are you able to reach out to us at hello@irysphotos.com so we can assist?

### 1/5 — Noch Luft nach oben

*2026-06-28*

Relativ teuer, noch immer keine iPad/Browser Version.

**Developer response:** Thanks for your feedback! We completely understand the request for an iPad and browser version. These are among the most requested features from our community, and we're actively working towards bringing Irys to larger screens. We appreciate your support and hope you'll continue to follow our progress as the platform evolves.

### 1/5 — UX Horror

*2026-05-23*

Normalerweise schreibe ich ja nicht viele Kommentare, aber diesmal muss es echt sein. Ich bin auf die App in einem Youtube Video von Alan Schaller aufmerksam geworden und habe mir deshalb einiges versprochen und bin leider maßlos enttäuscht. Die Bedienung der App ist der Horror. Um ein einzelnes Bild hochzuladen benötigt man ca. 10 klicks. Mehfachupload Fehlanzeige! Smart geht anders ...

**Developer response:** Hallo dreizwo,

vielen Dank für dein ehrliches Feedback. Es tut uns leid, dass Irys deine Erwartungen nicht erfüllt hat. Wir wissen, dass der Upload-Prozess aktuell nicht so einfach und effizient ist, wie er sein sollte – besonders für Fotografen, die einen schnellen Workflow gewohnt sind. Genau solche Rückmeldungen helfen uns dabei, die App weiter zu verbessern, und wir arbeiten bereits daran, die Bedienung deutlich intuitiver zu gestalten.

Danke, dass du Irys ausprobiert hast.

– Dan

### 1/5 — Can’t get started

*2026-02-18, version 1.1.2*

App will not email me a confirmation code to finish setting up my account - link to customer support not available

### 1/5 — Geht nicht

*2026-02-01*

Ich habe die App zwar runterladen können, konnte sie aber nicht benutzen da alles in englischer Sprache ist.
Auch mit meinem Apple Account konnte ich mich leider nicht anmelden.
Es wäre schön, wenn jemand mal an die deutschsprechende Bevölkerungsgruppe in diesem Land denkt, die auch gerne fotografiert 

und Fotos bearbeitet.

**Developer response:** Guten Morgen

Vielen Dank für Ihre Bewertung. In der App können Sie die Sprache auf Deutsch umstellen. Diese Funktion befindet sich noch in der Beta-Phase. Wenn Sie jedoch unten auf das Personensymbol tippen, dann auf „Settings“ und anschließend auf „Language“ gehen, können Sie Deutsch auswählen.

### 1/5 — Furchtbare App

*2026-01-22*

Hier funktioniert nichts richtig, nicht mal das Konto löschen

**Developer response:** Hi 

If you're having issues, could you reach out to us at hello@irysphotos.com 

Thank you!

### 1/5 — Nette Idee, aber…

*2026-01-19*

… Für mich nicht sehr intuitiv und übersichtlich. Und selbst das Löschen des Accounts ging nicht/ nahm die Kündigung nicht an.

**Developer response:** Hi, we'd love to find out more about what went wrong here. Are you able to reach us at hello@irysphotos.com?

### 1/5 — Underachievers, Please Try Harder!

*2025-12-06*

Can’t read half the exit data, so why have it? If I turn my phone to landscape, a landscape image should rotate to fill the screen. Really basic stuff. I want to like this. Insta was ruined long ago. But it is half baked at this point. Even the logo is silly- what the heck does it have to do with photography?? Don’t give up, but maybe don’t quit your day jobs, either. Finally, make subscriptions a lot cheaper and give us easy ways to import images from insta and Flickr. Good luck! 🖖📸🤳

**Developer response:** Hi, Thanks for your review. 

We're sorry you feel the app isn't up to your standard, we're making improvements continuously to try and make sure this is something people love. 

The EXIF data on the app does work, however the user has the ability to choose whether they want to display it and if they choose not to, it will be hidden. 

We're releasing a web uploader and an Ipad app in the future which should solve some of the issues you've had with uploading. 

I've also passed your other concerns on internally for us to look at. 

Kind regards 
The Irys Team

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Solide

*2026-08-21*

Eine sehr solide App, mit einer noch kleinen Mitglieder zahl, deshalb schraubt eure erwartungen für Reaktionen auf eure Fotos am Anfang etwas herunter. Dafür ist Irys nicht Bot-verseucht, wie andere Plattformen. Ich finde sie leicht zu bedienen und übersichtlich.

### 5/5 — Truly an app for photographers

*2026-08-20*

Downloaded this app when I decided to get off of IG and I honestly love it. Of course you don’t get as much interactions and posts but it stops me from doomscrolling and the interactions mean a lot more when it’s from another photographer I respect. 
 On top of all that, it’s nice to see more art and less lifestyle

### 5/5 — Very good

*2026-07-23*

A great app by photographers for photographers about photography without all the noise or advertising of other social media platforms. A great and supportive community to develop your work and be inspired by others. Exploring different groups is a great way experience different artistic and technical approaches. No restrictions on form factor or resolution is a huge plus.

### 5/5 — Great App.

*2026-06-21*

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’ve tried more photography apps than I’ve had cups of coffee, and that’s saying something. But IRYS has quickly become one of my favourites.

The app is intuitive, packed with useful features, and somehow manages to make organising and enjoying photos feel effortless rather than a chore. Whether you’re a serious photographer or just someone who takes far too many pictures of sunsets, dogs, or your lunch, there’s something here for you.

A special mention goes to Dan from the help desk, who deserves a gold medal for customer service. Every email I sent was answered incredibly quickly, and not with the usual copy-and-paste responses either. He was genuinely helpful, knowledgeable, and went out of his way to make sure everything was sorted.

It’s refreshing to find an app that’s not only excellent but also backed by people who clearly care about their users.

Highly recommended. Download it, give it a try, and thank me later. Just don’t blame me when you end up spending hours admiring your own photos!

### 5/5 — Superb App

*2026-06-16*

Photography without the politics. Exactly how it should be. Best app I have!

**Developer response:** Hi EllChiz,

Thank you so much for the support! We're thrilled you're enjoying Irys. Our goal has always been to create a space where photography comes first, and it's wonderful to hear that resonates with you.

Thanks for being part of the community!

– Dan

### 5/5 — Social App for Photographers

*2026-05-08*

Irys is a wonderful app. It’s inspiring, interactive and user friendly. It helps you connect and find photographers, and with its groups and competitions, it engages you in communities and gets your work seen.

### 5/5 — Great App

*2026-05-02*

A beautifully simple photography app that truly lets your images shine. The clean layout keeps the focus exactly where it should be—on your photos—making every shot feel polished and professional. Perfect for anyone who values a minimalist, distraction-free showcase..

**Developer response:** Thank you so much — that’s exactly what we set out to create. We really appreciate the kind words and we’re glad you’re enjoying the clean, photography-first experience 📷

### 5/5 — Photography sharing returns

*2026-03-29*

Like Instagram in the early days - before the influencers took over - only much better. Real photography, none of the selfies, no advertising agenda

**Developer response:** Hi Matt! Thank you for your incredibly kind words, this review really made us all smile. We have so much more to come and we can't wait to show you!

### 5/5 — A real alternative to the usual suspects

*2026-03-16*

Brilliant! At long last - something that puts photographers and photographs first, and doesn’t turn their user base into the product.

**Developer response:** Love this! Thanks so much Nick. That’s exactly what we set out to do. We really believe photographers should come first, not be the product, so it means a lot to hear that come through 🙌

### 5/5 — The best of the photo apps

*2026-03-11*

A smart interface (love the use of groups), a beautiful design, a creative and supportive community and clever features throughout. So much better than many other photography communities. Highly recommended.

**Developer response:** Really appreciate this — thank you! Glad you’re enjoying the groups and community, that’s exactly what we’re building for 🙌

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-25.*
