UpScrolled, a social media platform launched last year, has seen a surge in users, particularly those posting pro-Palestinian content, as concerns grow over content moderation on major platform like X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Moreover, the spike is partly propelled by ownership changes and a recent outage on TikTok
The app climbed into the top rankings of Apple’s app stores in the United States, Britain and Australia over the weekend, after TikTok users reported access problems and raised fears that algorithm changes under its new, majority American-owned U.S. venture could curb political speech.
UpScrolled, founded in 2025 by Palestine origin, Australia-based Issam Hijazi, has positioned itself as an alternative to major platforms by offering chronological feeds and publicly explained ranking systems. The company said heavy traffic briefly overwhelmed its servers, causing glitches as new users joined.
TikTok said it is retraining its recommendation algorithms and assuming control of U.S. content moderation after its restructuring, a move that has unsettled users who say pro-Palestinian and other political content has previously faced suppression on large platforms.
The migration highlights broader unease over platform control and censorship, especially among users in or connected to conflict zones. Internet shutdowns linked to political unrest and war have increased globally, disrupting online expression and digital economies, according to digital rights groups.
Analysts say the growing appeal of alternative platforms reflects a wider loss of trust in dominant social media companies.