UpScrolled surges in App Store downloads as users flock away from TikTok
UpScrolled climbed the App Store charts after a wave of new sign-ups caused server outages. The app promotes no shadowbans and a chronological following feed.
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By Torontoer Staff
UpScrolled, a short-form social app that promises no shadowbans or hidden algorithmic throttling, surged on Apple’s App Store this week as new users rushed to download the platform. The app briefly experienced server outages after the spike, and as of Monday it ranked No. 12 among free apps, one spot above TikTok, and No. 2 in the social networking category.
The influx comes amid user concerns about TikTok’s new U.S. ownership and allegations that content critical of political figures or immigration enforcement is being suppressed. UpScrolled has positioned itself as an alternative that prioritises visibility for every post, and that positioning appears to be feeding downloads.
What UpScrolled is selling
Launched in June by Issam Hijazi, UpScrolled offers short-form video, video editing tools and text posts. The company frames itself as a response to feeds that prioritise engagement over diverse viewpoints. Its public messaging emphasises equal opportunity for posts to be seen, and it highlights a simple moderation policy that restricts only illegal content and explicit violations of community guidelines.
showed up so fast our servers tapped out
UpScrolled, Instagram post
On its website UpScrolled lists a set of commitments, including no shadowbans, no hidden throttling and no pay-to-play favouritism. The company says the only material it limits is content that violates its guidelines, such as hate speech, harassment or illegal activity.
How the app orders content
UpScrolled separates content into two main feeds. The following feed shows posts from accounts a user selects, presented chronologically with no algorithmic reshaping, the company says. The discover feed surfaces content by engagement, with likes, comments and reshares determining prominence, plus a light time decay so newer posts can rise and a small element of randomness intended to give more creators exposure.
That mix aims to reduce the sense that algorithmic decisions are hiding material from some users. The trade-off is familiar: a chronological following feed can feel less addictive for some users, while a discovery feed still prioritises engagement metrics.
Why people are leaving other platforms
The timing of UpScrolled’s growth overlaps with major changes at TikTok. The app recently shifted its U.S. operations into a new entity backed by Oracle, MGX and Silver Lake, a move intended to comply with a federal law requiring separation from ByteDance. Some users have reacted by alleging that posts critical of political leaders or Immigration and Customs Enforcement are being suppressed.
Public figures and lawmakers have amplified those concerns, and the perception of potential political influence has driven a subset of users to explore alternatives that advertise minimal moderation and transparent feed rules.
If you want to try UpScrolled
- Expect initial growth-related glitches, such as slower uploads or delayed notifications, as the platform scales its infrastructure.
- Check the community guidelines before posting, to understand the boundaries on hate speech, harassment and illegal content.
- Use the following feed to control what you see, and the discover feed to surface new creators and trending posts.
- Back up any original content you post, in case you decide to leave a platform later.
What UpScrolled’s rise means for users
A surge in downloads signals appetite for alternatives, but platform choice involves trade-offs beyond moderation styles. Network effects matter: an app’s value depends on which creators and communities move there. Features, stability and privacy practices are also determining factors for people considering a switch.
UpScrolled’s public stance on algorithmic fairness may appeal to users frustrated with perceived censorship. But claims of complete neutrality are difficult to sustain in practice, because any platform must set boundaries for abuse, misinformation and illegal activity.
What to watch next
Look for whether UpScrolled can sustain growth without persistent outages, and whether creators who attract audiences on other platforms replicate that success here. Also watch for how UpScrolled documents its moderation decisions, and whether independent observers can verify its claims about visibility and the absence of shadowbans.
no shadowbans, no hidden throttling, no pay-to-play favoritism
UpScrolled, company website
At the same time, observe how incumbent platforms respond. TikTok has attributed delays in post publishing to a power outage at a U.S. data centre, and the company is likely to make changes as ownership and public scrutiny evolve.
Switching platforms is a personal choice based on priorities such as content, community, privacy and stability. For now, UpScrolled offers an alternative with a clear pitch on algorithmic transparency, and its recent chart surge shows that message is resonating with a segment of users.
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