UpScrolled’s Meteoric Rise: Surpassing 2.5 Million Users in Record Time
In a remarkable trajectory, UpScrolled, the emerging social media platform, has catapulted from a modest user base to over 2.5 million global users within a mere six months of its inception. This exponential growth was highlighted by founder Issam Hijazi during his address at the Web Summit Qatar.
We launched about six months ago, and we grew to about 150,000 up until early January. And as of the last few days, we reached over one million users globally. Now, starting today, we surpassed two-and-a-half million users globally, Hijazi announced.
UpScrolled distinguishes itself by amalgamating features reminiscent of Instagram and X, positioning itself as a platform that champions inclusivity and freedom of expression. The company asserts its commitment to allowing diverse content without resorting to shadowbanning or selective censorship.
During his speech, Hijazi criticized major tech corporations for unethical practices, particularly the monetization of user data and the selective suppression of content. He accused these platforms of prioritizing profit over user well-being and ethical standards.
They don’t care about selling your data to someone else if that means profit for them. And they don’t care about your mental health, as in they will design something just to keep you addicted to using that platform as long as it’s profitable for them, he stated.
However, UpScrolled has not been without its challenges. Users on other platforms have raised concerns about the prevalence of explicit content on the site. Hijazi addressed these issues by emphasizing the platform’s dedication to developing comprehensive community guidelines that adhere to regional laws and standards. He mentioned that the company is assembling a team of experts to refine these guidelines and is actively incorporating user feedback into this process.
While UpScrolled has not publicly disclosed any funding rounds, Hijazi noted that the platform has attracted significant interest from investors, indicating a promising financial future.
The platform’s rapid ascent coincides with significant shifts in the social media landscape. In January, TikTok underwent a major ownership restructuring in the U.S., with a consortium including Silver Lake and Oracle acquiring a majority stake, leaving ByteDance with a 20% share. This transition prompted many users to explore alternative social networks. Alongside UpScrolled, other platforms like Skylight, built on the AT Protocol, have also experienced increased attention, surpassing 380,000 users shortly after the TikTok deal’s finalization.
Despite the initial surge in user acquisition, platforms like UpScrolled and Skylight face the ongoing challenge of sustaining user engagement. Developing compelling features, fostering vibrant communities, and implementing effective moderation policies are crucial for long-term success. As evidenced by the experiences of platforms like Bluesky, navigating content moderation and community standards can be complex and may not always align with user expectations.
In summary, UpScrolled’s rapid growth underscores a shifting dynamic in the social media arena, where users are increasingly seeking platforms that prioritize transparency, inclusivity, and ethical practices. The platform’s future will depend on its ability to balance these values with the practicalities of content moderation and user engagement.
