One Coder Built Social App: 5 Million Users Joined

When Issam Hijazi launched UpScrolled from his home in July 2024, he was a one-person operation building a social media platform from scratch. Less than a year later, 5 million people have signed up for his alternative to Instagram and TikTok.

Hijazi spent 17 years working for tech giants like IBM and Oracle before deciding to build something different. His frustration began when he noticed social media platforms were allegedly shadow-banning and censoring content, particularly around controversial political topics.

UpScrolled offers features that set it apart from mainstream platforms. Users see posts in simple chronological order instead of through algorithm-driven feeds. The platform promises never to share user data with marketing companies or advertisers.

The timing proved perfect. When concerns about TikTok's future in America exploded earlier this year, people started searching for alternatives. Within eight months, Hijazi had attracted 2.5 million users while still working completely alone.

Building a social network solo meant long days and pouring his personal savings into the project. Hijazi wrote code, designed the user experience, and managed the platform's infrastructure entirely by himself. He admits it sounded crazy then and still does now.

The rapid growth created new challenges. As the user base doubled to 5 million, Hijazi finally began hiring a team, particularly for content moderation. Organizations like the Anti-Defamation League have criticized the platform's handling of extremist content, pushing UpScrolled to strengthen its safety measures.

The Ripple Effect

Hijazi's story shows how one determined person can create real alternatives in tech. His platform has given millions of users a space built on different values than traditional social media. Other small tech entrepreneurs are watching closely, inspired by proof that you don't need a Silicon Valley team to launch something people actually want.

UpScrolled now faces the challenge every successful startup eventually meets: growing up while staying true to its founding principles.