What Is UpScrolled, and Why Are People Switching to It From TikTok?

In the aftermath of TikTok’s recent ownership restructuring, a new social media platform called UpScrolled has emerged as a compelling alternative, rapidly climbing the charts and capturing the attention of users seeking a different approach to social networking. Founded in June 2025 by Issam Hijazi, a Palestinian-Australian technologist with previous experience at IBM and Oracle, UpScrolled represents a fresh vision for what social media could be—one centered on transparency, user control, and freedom from algorithmic manipulation[3].

The Rise of UpScrolled

The timing of UpScrolled’s growth is no coincidence. Following TikTok’s January 2026 acquisition by a group of American investors including Larry Ellison of Oracle, Silver Lake Partners, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX, many users became concerned about the platform’s future direction and potential political influences on content moderation[1][3]. These concerns intensified when TikTok faced criticism for allegedly suppressing certain political content and when the app released an updated privacy policy allowing GPS tracking[1]. In response, users began actively seeking alternatives.

UpScrolled’s response to this demand has been remarkable. According to market intelligence data from Appfigures, the app experienced approximately 41,000 downloads between January 22 and January 24, 2026—accounting for nearly one-third of its entire lifetime installs[1]. This translates to an average of 14,000 daily downloads during that period, representing a staggering 2,850% increase in daily downloads[1]. As of now, the app has been downloaded 140,000 times total, with 75,000 of those installations coming from U.S.-based users[1]. On Apple’s App Store, UpScrolled currently ranks 12th overall and second in the social networking category[1].

What Makes UpScrolled Different?

UpScrolled’s appeal lies in its fundamental approach to social media design. The platform combines familiar features from Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), allowing users to share photos, videos, and text posts, discover new content, and send direct messages[1]. However, the real distinction comes from what the platform explicitly doesn’t do.

The app’s core promise centers on eliminating shadow banning and algorithmic manipulation[2]. Unlike major social media platforms where algorithms determine what content reaches users, UpScrolled employs a more transparent approach. The platform’s algorithm considers likes, comments, shares, and time decay with some randomness, all displayed chronologically with what the company describes as “no manipulation”[3]. This means creators and everyday users alike have greater confidence that their posts will be seen by their audience without invisible suppression[2].

Founder Issam Hijazi articulated the platform’s philosophy clearly: “UpScrolled is the foundation for a digital ecosystem that puts power back into the hands of the people — not the corporations. It’s more than just an alternative to Meta, X, or TikTok — it’s a reimagining of what social media should be: a space where creators, communities, and businesses thrive independently, with real control, transparency, and accountability.”[1]

Key Features and Future Plans

Beyond its current offerings, UpScrolled is actively developing additional features to enhance user experience. The platform is working on optional discovery features that may use AI to optimize recommendations based on user behavior, but crucially, these will be opt-in, fair, and transparent rather than mandatory algorithmic feeds[2][4]. This represents a middle ground between complete chronological feeds and the opaque recommendation systems that dominate current social media.

The company has also announced plans to introduce creator monetization tools, including payouts for creators, branded content opportunities, and mechanisms for communities to directly support the voices they value[4]. However, the team is prioritizing building a fair and transparent foundation first, encouraging creators to start building their audiences now before these monetization features launch[4].

The Broader Context

UpScrolled is not the only platform benefiting from TikTok users seeking alternatives. Skylight, a TikTok alternative built on open source technology, has also seen significant growth, surpassing 380,000 sign-ups[1]. However, UpScrolled’s combination of familiar interface design and explicit commitment to transparency has resonated particularly strongly with users.

The platform’s rapid growth has presented challenges. In a post on X, the company acknowledged the strain: “Well, this is new … You showed up so fast our servers tapped out. Frustrating? Yes. Emotional? Also yes. We’re a tiny team building what Big Tech stopped being. Right now we’re scaling on caffeine to keep up with what YOU started.”[1] This transparency about growing pains has actually endeared the company to many users who appreciate the honesty.

Why Users Are Making the Switch

The migration to UpScrolled reflects broader frustrations with how major social media platforms operate. Users are tired of mysterious reach drops, algorithmic suppression, and the sense that their content is being manipulated by invisible forces[2]. UpScrolled’s promise to give “every post a fair chance to be seen” and its commitment to protecting freedom of expression while maintaining responsibility have struck a chord with creators, activists, small businesses, and everyday people[1][2].

As social media continues to evolve, UpScrolled represents a meaningful experiment in whether a platform built explicitly for user empowerment and transparency can compete with established tech giants—and early indicators suggest it’s resonating with millions seeking a different way forward.

Original source: Lifehacker – What Is ‘UpScrolled,’ and Why Are People Switching to It From TikTok?