In the wake of growing criticism of TikTok’s alleged censorship practices, a relatively unknown Australian social media app, UpScrolled, has seen a significant spike in popularity. This emerging platform markets itself as a censorship-free alternative, capturing the attention of disillusioned TikTok users and climbing rapidly to claim the number two spot in the Apple App Store’s social media category.
The TikTok Backlash
The recent surge in downloads for UpScrolled came after frustrations boiled over regarding TikTok’s alleged political bias. Critics, including well-known public figures and other influencers, accused TikTok of suppressing politically sensitive content. Since these claims surfaced, users have migrated to platforms that promote themselves as unbiased alternatives, with UpScrolled being a primary beneficiary.
What Makes UpScrolled Different
Founded in July by Issam Hijazi, a former IBM and Oracle consultant, UpScrolled supports short-form video, text, and photo posts. Notably, it prioritizes free speech by not censoring content or shadowbanning users. Posts from followed accounts appear in a chronological feed, while its discovery feed ranks content based on genuine user engagement instead of paid promotions.
The platform has also pledged to “not tolerate abuse”, making it clear that hate speech, harassment, or violent content will result in bans. This balance between free expression and safety aims to satisfy users seeking an inclusive yet open environment.
Challenges Amid Rapid Growth
The influx of new users, reportedly 14,000 daily downloads since the surge, briefly overwhelmed the app’s servers. Hijazi addressed this on social media, sharing, “Crazy load on our servers. So exciting! Haven’t slept in two days folks lol.” Despite the temporary issues and glitches, UpScrolled’s team has been working tirelessly to scale up their infrastructure to accommodate the unexpected growth.
Can UpScrolled Succeed Long-Term?
UpScrolled’s climb mirrors patterns seen with other temporary migrations to alternative platforms during controversial moments, such as the rise of RedNote during political unrest in the U.S. However, it remains to be seen whether UpScrolled will sustain this momentum with its user-first approach or fade after media attention wanes.
Exploring Alternatives in Digital Spaces
The rise of UpScrolled highlights a growing interest in decentralized or less regulated platforms. This ripple effect has also benefited similar alternatives like Rumble and Spill, which offer unique value propositions to creators and users. If you’re currently exploring emerging apps and tools, consider platforms that resonate with your personal or professional content goals.
Explore the Perfect Tool for Creators
If you’re a content creator, investing in tools to enhance your workflow can be a game-changer. One standout recommendation is the Adobe Creative Cloud. This suite includes industry-leading software like Premiere Pro and Photoshop, perfect for refining your videos, photos, and graphics for platforms like UpScrolled and beyond. Click here to learn more.
As the world of social media evolves, consumers continue to seek platforms that align with their values of fairness and transparency. Whether UpScrolled will stand the test of time remains uncertain, but for now, it’s clear that users are demanding more autonomy in their digital spaces.
