UpScrolled: The Rising Alternative in Social Networking Amid TikTok's Ownership Change

In the wake of TikTok’s recent ownership restructuring, a wave of users is exploring alternative social media platforms. One app that has emerged as a frontrunner is UpScrolled, which has quickly gained popularity, currently ranking 12th overall in the Apple App Store and second in the social networking category.

Founded last year by Issam Hijazi, a Palestinian-Jordanian-Australian technologist, UpScrolled aims to provide a space for users to “freely express thoughts, share moments, and connect with others.” The app combines features reminiscent of Instagram and X, allowing users to share photos, videos, and text posts, discover new content, and engage in direct messaging. Its founders emphasize a commitment to impartiality, asserting that the platform is built for the people, devoid of hidden algorithms or external influences.

Hijazi articulated the vision for UpScrolled, stating, “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.” This ethos resonates with users seeking a more authentic social media experience, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding TikTok’s new ownership structure.

Following the announcement of TikTok’s deal with a group of American investors, UpScrolled experienced an unprecedented surge in downloads. Between the deal’s finalization on Thursday and Saturday, the app saw approximately 41,000 downloads — nearly one-third of its total lifetime installs. Since then, daily downloads have skyrocketed, averaging about 14,000, marking a staggering 2,850% increase.

As of now, UpScrolled has accumulated 140,000 downloads, with 75,000 of those attributed to U.S. users alone. The app’s rapid growth has prompted the small development team to work tirelessly to accommodate the influx of new users. In a candid post on X, the company acknowledged the challenges of scaling up, humorously noting, “Well, this is new … You showed up so fast our servers tapped out.”

The surge in UpScrolled’s popularity comes amid growing concerns surrounding TikTok’s new ownership and its potential implications for user privacy and content moderation. Following the announcement of the joint venture, which sees TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, owning less than 20% of the new entity, users expressed apprehension about possible political biases among the new American investors. High-profile figures, including Senator Chris Murphy and singer Billie Eilish, raised alarms over accusations of censorship, particularly regarding posts critical of U.S. immigration policies.

In light of these concerns, TikTok’s recent update to its privacy policy, which allows for GPS tracking, has further fueled discussions around user privacy and data security. As a result, many users are actively seeking alternatives, with UpScrolled being a leading choice due to its commitment to transparency and fair visibility for all posts.

Interestingly, UpScrolled is not alone in this newfound popularity. Another TikTok alternative, Skylight, has reported over 380,000 sign-ups, showcasing a broader trend of users migrating towards platforms that prioritize user control and data privacy.

As social media continues to evolve, UpScrolled represents a significant shift towards user-centric platforms that prioritize community engagement over corporate interests. With its rapid growth and commitment to transparency, it is poised to become a formidable player in the social networking landscape, especially as users seek alternatives in an increasingly complex digital environment.