Social network UpScrolled sees surge in downloads following TikTok’s US takeover

In the aftermath of TikTok's recent ownership shift in the U.S., many users are exploring alternative social media platforms. One app that has gained significant attention is UpScrolled, which emphasizes political neutrality. Currently, it ranks 12th overall in Apple’s App Store and holds the second position in the social networking category. Founded last year by Issam Hijazi, a Palestinian-Jordanian-Australian technologist, UpScrolled combines popular features from platforms like Instagram and X. It allows users to share photos, videos, and text, discover content, and engage in direct messaging. Hijazi's vision for the app is to create a space where users can express themselves freely and connect authentically. The UpScrolled team is committed to building a user-centric platform that prioritizes the community over algorithms and external influences. Hijazi stated, "UpScrolled is the foundation for a digital ecosystem that places power back in the hands of the people — not corporations. It’s more than just an alternative to Meta, X, or TikTok; it's a reimagining of social media as a space where creators, communities, and businesses can thrive independently with transparency and accountability." Available on both iOS and Android, UpScrolled is currently witnessing a surge in user downloads. According to Appfigures, the app achieved around 41,000 downloads from Thursday to Saturday following TikTok's deal, which accounts for nearly a third of its total installations. Since the deal was finalized, UpScrolled has experienced an average of 14,000 daily downloads, marking an astonishing increase of 2,850%. To date, UpScrolled has been downloaded approximately 140,000 times, with 75,000 of those downloads coming from U.S. users. The company acknowledged the overwhelming response via a post on Bluesky, stating, "You showed up so fast our servers tapped out. We’re a small team working hard to build what Big Tech has forgotten. Right now, we’re scaling up to keep pace with the momentum YOU’ve created. Thank you for your patience." This surge in interest for UpScrolled follows TikTok's announcement of a deal with non-Chinese investors to create a majority American-owned joint venture, ensuring the app's continued operation in the U.S. Concerns have arisen among users regarding the potential political biases of TikTok’s new U.S. investors, particularly related to the platform's content moderation practices. High-profile figures such as Senator Chris Murphy and singer Billie Eilish have voiced their apprehensions about the possibility of TikTok censoring political content. Although TikTok attributed recent content accessibility issues to a data center outage, the situation has prompted some users to advocate for alternative platforms like UpScrolled, which promises fair visibility for all posts without the risk of shadowbanning. Additionally, other apps like Skylight, an open-source TikTok alternative, are also experiencing increased user sign-ups, with reports of over 380,000 registrations, further reflecting the shifting dynamics in social media preferences.