UpScrolled: The Rising Star in Social Media Amid TikTok’s Turmoil
In the ever-evolving landscape of social media, a new contender has emerged, capturing the attention of users worldwide. UpScrolled, a short-form video-sharing platform, has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity, positioning itself as a formidable alternative to established giants like TikTok. This surge comes in the wake of TikTok’s recent challenges, including technical glitches and allegations of content suppression, prompting users to seek platforms that prioritize transparency and user empowerment.
The Genesis of UpScrolled
Launched in June 2025 by Recursive Methods Pty Ltd, UpScrolled was founded by Issam Hijazi, a Palestinian-Jordanian-Australian technologist with a background at tech behemoths such as IBM and Oracle. Hijazi’s vision for UpScrolled was born out of a desire to create a platform that champions authentic self-expression and community engagement, free from the constraints and biases often associated with mainstream social media. The app is backed by Tech for Palestine, an advocacy project that funds pro-Palestine tech initiatives. ([aljazeera.com](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/29/whats-upscrolled-the-app-gaining-popularity-after-tiktoks-us-takeover?utm_source=openai))
A User-Centric Approach
UpScrolled distinguishes itself through a commitment to user control and algorithmic transparency. Unlike many platforms that employ opaque algorithms to curate content, UpScrolled offers a chronological feed, ensuring that users have an unfiltered view of the content from those they follow. This approach resonates with users who have grown weary of the perceived manipulation and favoritism prevalent on other platforms. ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2026/01/29/tiktok-competitor-upscrolled-hits-no-1-on-app-store-following-allegations-tiktok-suppresses-anti-ice-videos/?utm_source=openai))
Feature-Rich Experience
The platform boasts a suite of features designed to enhance user engagement and creativity:
– Diverse Content Sharing: Users can share photos, short and long-form videos, and text posts, catering to a wide range of content preferences.
– Advanced Editing Tools: UpScrolled provides sophisticated video editing capabilities, allowing users to add a personal touch to their creations.
– Real-Time Interaction: The app facilitates instant messaging, enabling users to connect and communicate seamlessly.
– Personalized Profiles: Users can customize their profiles to reflect their unique identities, fostering a sense of individuality within the community.
– Exploration and Discovery: A dedicated ‘Discover’ page showcases trending topics and content, encouraging users to explore beyond their immediate network.
These features collectively contribute to a dynamic and engaging user experience, setting UpScrolled apart in a crowded market. ([apps.apple.com](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/upscrolled/id6746533451?utm_source=openai))
A Surge in Popularity
The platform’s ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. As of January 29, 2026, UpScrolled secured the top position among free apps on Apple’s App Store, surpassing established names like ChatGPT and Meta’s Threads. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the app’s relatively recent launch. ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2026/01/29/tiktok-competitor-upscrolled-hits-no-1-on-app-store-following-allegations-tiktok-suppresses-anti-ice-videos/?utm_source=openai))
Several factors have contributed to this rapid growth:
– User Discontent with TikTok: Following TikTok’s transition to U.S.-based ownership, users reported technical issues and expressed concerns over content suppression, particularly regarding politically sensitive material. These developments have driven users to seek alternative platforms that uphold principles of free expression. ([forbes.com](https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2026/01/29/tiktok-competitor-upscrolled-hits-no-1-on-app-store-following-allegations-tiktok-suppresses-anti-ice-videos/?utm_source=openai))
– Commitment to Free Expression: UpScrolled’s emphasis on uncensored content and algorithmic transparency appeals to users disillusioned by the perceived biases of larger platforms. The app’s foundational values of freedom of expression and social responsibility resonate with a growing audience seeking authenticity. ([creativebloq.com](https://www.creativebloq.com/design/social-media/move-over-tiktok-why-everyones-suddenly-talking-about-upscrolled?utm_source=openai))
– Community Engagement: The platform’s user-centric design and feature set have fostered a vibrant community, encouraging organic growth and user retention.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its impressive trajectory, UpScrolled faces challenges inherent to rapid scaling. The influx of new users has led to technical issues, including server overloads and video upload crashes. The development team has acknowledged these challenges, attributing them to the unexpected surge in demand and assuring users that they are actively working to enhance infrastructure and user experience. ([creativebloq.com](https://www.creativebloq.com/design/social-media/move-over-tiktok-why-everyones-suddenly-talking-about-upscrolled?utm_source=openai))
Looking ahead, UpScrolled aims to expand its language support beyond English and Arabic to cater to a more diverse global audience. Additionally, the platform is exploring the integration of AI to refine content discovery and personalization, ensuring that users receive relevant and engaging content without compromising transparency. ([support.upscrolled.com](https://support.upscrolled.com/hc/en-us/articles/13636918776719-What-languages-are-supported?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion
UpScrolled’s emergence as a significant player in the social media arena underscores a shifting user preference towards platforms that prioritize transparency, user control, and authentic engagement. While it remains to be seen whether UpScrolled can sustain its momentum and establish itself as a long-term alternative to incumbents like TikTok, its current success signals a growing demand for platforms that empower users and uphold the principles of free expression.
