UpScrolled Surges as TikTok Users Seek Alternatives
TikTok’s recent US takeover has sparked a wave of creators moving to alternative platforms, with UpScrolled emerging as a leading choice. Users are flocking to this new social app, seeking a space that promises freedom of expression and minimal interference from political agendas. The migration follows technical issues and concerns about content moderation after Oracle and other investors acquired TikTok’s US operations.
UpScrolled, available on both Android and iOS, has rapidly climbed the app charts, currently ranking 12th on Apple’s App Store. Its servers have struggled to keep pace with the sudden influx of new users, highlighting the platform’s rapid rise.
Why TikTok Users Are Turning to UpScrolled
The US TikTok takeover triggered fears among creators about potential censorship and algorithm changes. Several journalists and social media personalities, including Taylor Lorenz, have publicly announced their switch to UpScrolled. TikTok itself reported disruptions in service due to a power outage at a US data center, compounding frustrations among users.
UpScrolled’s appeal lies in its promise of neutrality. The platform’s founders emphasize that it will not shadowban content or favor political narratives, giving every post an equal chance to be seen. This message resonates strongly with TikTok creators seeking transparency and fairness.
A Platform Designed for Free Expression
Founded in 2025 by Issam Hijazi, a Palestinian-Jordanian-Australian technologist, UpScrolled positions itself as a social media platform where users can express their thoughts freely. Its interface combines familiar elements from Instagram and X, allowing posts in multiple formats, including photos, videos, and text. Users can also send private messages, creating an interactive and versatile environment.
UpScrolled explicitly states that it will remain “impartial” to political agendas while upholding social responsibility. This approach appeals to users wary of algorithms that could suppress or prioritize content unfairly.
Viral Growth and Early Success
Despite being a relatively new platform, UpScrolled has already reached top app rankings in several countries. Social media updates show it currently sits at #5 in the US, #6 in Australia, and #8 in the UK. The platform prides itself on being ad-free, avoiding venture capital influence, and focusing purely on user-driven engagement.
The sudden surge has tested UpScrolled’s infrastructure, with the company openly communicating about server overloads. This transparency has further strengthened its reputation as a trustworthy alternative to established platforms.
The Bigger Trend: Alternatives to Major Social Apps
UpScrolled’s rise follows a growing trend of social media users migrating to new platforms after changes in ownership or policy. Previous shifts saw TikTokers move to apps like RedNote during bans, while Bluesky and Mastodon gained traction as users sought more control over content visibility.
For many, UpScrolled represents a chance to join a social network built with creators in mind, free from opaque moderation and heavy-handed corporate policies. Its rapid adoption highlights a broader appetite for platforms that prioritize fairness, transparency, and creative freedom.
Looking Ahead for UpScrolled
As TikTok’s US operations stabilize under new ownership, the appeal of alternative platforms like UpScrolled is likely to grow. With millions of creators exploring new spaces for content sharing, the competition in the social media landscape is intensifying.
UpScrolled’s early success demonstrates how quickly a platform can rise when it aligns with user demands for fairness, reliability, and independence. For creators seeking a fresh start or a safer space to express themselves, UpScrolled may become the go-to destination in 2026.
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