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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
29 January 2026
UpScrolled Surpasses 1 Million Users, Becomes #1 Free App in US Chronological-feed platform's organic surge demonstrates mass rejection of algorithmic manipulation
UpScrolled is the fast-growing independent social platform built around transparency, data privacy, and freedom of expression. It has seen a surge in new users over the past week as creators and communities re-evaluate where they build audiences following uncertainty around TikTok’s ownership and future.
Upscrolled has grown from 40,000 users to over a million users at time of writing. The spike has skyrocketed UpScrolled to the #1 spot on the US App Store (Overall and Social Networking), outranking Threads, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and all established platforms.
Supported by the Tech for Palestine incubator, UpScrolled is “everything big tech companies refuse to be,” says Upscrolled founder Issam Hijazi.
“It’s intended to be a space where your data is not monetised, where solidarity is not shadowbanned, and where your voice is not filtered by billion-dollar interests.” The growth is completely organic. No paid-user acquisition. Not manufactured. The recent surge follows the sale of TikTok to US tech giant Oracle, a move that has renewed concerns over censorship, surveillance, and data privacy.
UpScrolled has leaned into that moment with a clear message: UpScrolled was built on the core belief that social media should serve people, not exploit them. Headquartered in Australia with servers located in Ireland, UpScrolled’sexplosive growth is entirely organic, demonstrating user-led rejection of platforms that have broken user trust.
“We’re answering a global call. We are seeing how many people want and need an alternative social media. Our servers crashed over the weekend because of the surge in users. We’re back up and running and looking forward to continuing to build the platform users are seeking, a platform built on transparency and trust, with privacy in mind. ” - Issam Hijazi, Founder of UpScrolled
What happened last week
Thu 22 Jan - TikTok confirmed the US operating deal, reigniting concerns and renewed debate around platform control and moderation.
Thu–Sat - UpScrolled added over 500,000 new users joined UpScrolled in 72 hours, with daily downloads surging to 29x the previous baseline.
Weekend - UpScrolled hit #1 in Social Networking and #2 Overall on the US App Store. Servers crashed twice under the surge, infrastructure was scaled 400% in 24 hours.
Momentum and visibility
UpScrolled’s explosive growth has been covered by TechCrunch, The Verge and Forbes, each reporting on its rapid App Store climb and download spike following TikTok’s US transition news. The growth has also been amplified by high-visibility accounts publicly encouraging followers to join UpScrolled, creating a fast-moving 'follow me there' migration loop.
Looking Ahead
UpScrolled has confirmed it will not accept VC funding that requires user growth targets or engagement metric optimisation. “We’re building infrastructure for digital sovereignty, not a mega exit,” Hijazi said. “This growth proves you can build a platform that serves users, instead of exploits them.”
The company is currently scaling server infrastructure to meet and support continued growth, while maintaining its commitment to its core principles: Transparent moderation, chronological feeds, and user privacy. UpScrolled is available on iOS, Android and online at upscrolled.com
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About UpScrolled
UpScrolled is an independent social media platform that puts users back in control, giving people the tools to share freely, connect deeply, and stay in control of their experience. Founded by Issam Hijazi, a Palestinian-Jordanian-Australian technologist, UpScrolled was built on a simple principle: social media should serve people, not exploit them. With no shadowbanning, chronological feeds, and a commitment to never selling user data, UpScrolled offers transparency, fairness, and freedom in a digital landscape that has lost its way.
Media contact
Press Team
press@upscrolled.com
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