TikTok is facing significant challenges in 2026, following its transition from the Chinese company ByteDance to the newly formed TikTok USDS Joint Venture, a majority American-owned entity. This ownership change has been marked by technical difficulties, user dissatisfaction, and rising competition from alternative platforms. With users reporting issues related to service interruptions and controversial updates to the app’s terms of service, many have opted to switch to UpScrolled, a new social media platform.
Recent reports indicate that TikTok experienced outages, which the company attributed to a power failure at a data center. This disruption has compounded user frustrations, with many alleging that the platform has introduced aggressive new tracking measures and has engaged in content suppression practices, sometimes referred to as “shadowbanning.” Users are expressing concerns over perceived algorithmic bias and privacy violations that they believe have escalated under the new management.
In response to these issues, UpScrolled has emerged as a popular alternative, quickly becoming the second most downloaded free app on the iOS App Store as of now. Launched in June 2026 by Issam Hijazi, UpScrolled aims to provide an open platform for users to share their perspectives without the risk of bias or suppression. The platform emphasizes that it does not engage in agenda-pushing and guarantees that “every post has a fair chance to be seen.”
One of the key differences between UpScrolled and other social media apps lies in its approach to content moderation and algorithms. The platform divides its feeds into two distinct categories: the Following Feed, which displays posts in chronological order, and the Discover Feed, which showcases popular content based on likes, comments, and reshares, rather than relying on aggressive personalized algorithms. This structure allows users to engage with content in a more straightforward manner, reminiscent of traditional social media experiences.
UpScrolled also distinguishes itself through its handling of user data. The company asserts that it does not sell user information for marketing or tracking purposes, only sharing data when legally compelled to do so. This commitment to user privacy contrasts sharply with the practices of many of its competitors, which often prioritize data collection.
As users explore UpScrolled, they are finding a diverse range of content, with significant focus on current events, including the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many users are turning to UpScrolled as a platform for pro-Palestinian voices, prompted by accusations that mainstream social media channels suppress these discussions. While UpScrolled features various content types such as sports, news, and entertainment, it appears that users are particularly keen on engaging with topics they feel are overlooked elsewhere.
Despite its growing popularity, some users note that the Discover Feed often features content originally sourced from TikTok, which may indicate a reliance on existing trends. Nevertheless, the appeal of UpScrolled seems to lie in its potential as a refuge for those disillusioned by TikTok’s recent changes. While it remains to be seen whether this growth trajectory is sustainable, the rapid user migration highlights a significant shift in social media dynamics.
As UpScrolled continues to develop its community and features, its future will depend on maintaining user trust and engagement. For many, the move to this new platform is not merely about switching apps, but sending a message about the importance of transparency and fairness in social media.
