UpScrolled App Surges Past TikTok on App Store Rankings

When your servers crash because too many people want to join your platform, you know you've struck a chord with something people desperately want.

UpScrolled, a social media app launched just eight months ago, surged past TikTok on the App Store this week as users search for alternatives they feel they can trust. The platform now ranks No. 9 among free apps and sits at No. 2 for social networking apps on Apple's platform.

Founder Issam Hijazi created UpScrolled in June 2024 after watching meaningful stories disappear from his feeds while misinformation spread unchecked on other platforms. The Palestinian, Jordanian, and Australian entrepreneur had worked at tech giants like IBM and Oracle before deciding to build something different.

What makes UpScrolled stand out is its transparent approach to showing content. The app offers two feeds: a "following" feed that displays posts chronologically with zero manipulation, and a "discover" feed that ranks content by genuine engagement like likes, comments, and shares. A touch of randomness ensures every post has a fair shot at being seen, regardless of who created it.

The platform promises no shadowbans, no hidden throttling, and no pay-to-play favoritism. The only content it restricts involves illegal activity, hate speech, bullying, or harassment.

The surge in downloads comes as users express concerns about changes at other major social platforms. UpScrolled has positioned itself as listening to what users actually want: transparency, fairness, and the ability to see content from people they choose to follow.

The Ripple Effect

The success of UpScrolled shows that users are willing to vote with their downloads when they feel a platform respects their voice. By keeping its algorithm simple and transparent, the app demonstrates that social media doesn't have to rely on mysterious systems that decide what people see.

Other creators and everyday users are finding community on UpScrolled, where engagement feels more authentic and content reaches audiences organically. The platform's rapid growth proves there's real demand for social media that puts user experience and fairness first.

When a new platform grows so fast it breaks its own servers, that's not just a technical challenge but a powerful statement about what people want from their online communities.