Upscrolled App: Why It's the Hottest Social Platform in 2026 and How to Use It
Upscrolled has quickly become a standout choice for social media users who want more control over their online interactions. This app combines elements from popular platforms and adds a focus on transparency that sets it apart.
In early 2026, it climbed to the top of app store charts as people sought alternatives amid changes at other services. With over one million downloads in just days, the app appeals to creators, everyday sharers, and communities tired of hidden restrictions.
This guide explores its origins, tools, and practical tips to help you decide if it fits your needs.
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| UpScrolled / App Store Screenshot |
What Upscrolled Offers at Its Core
Upscrolled serves as a social network where users post short videos, photos, and text updates in a feed that emphasizes fairness. The platform mixes microblogging with video sharing, allowing real-time chats and story features similar to those on other apps.
What makes it unique is its promise of no shadowbans or biased feeds, which means posts appear based on engagement like likes and shares rather than secret rules.
Available for free on iOS and Android, it supports in-app purchases for extras, and it runs on phones and tablets without a desktop version yet.
The app's design keeps things simple, with a home feed for following accounts, a discover section for trending content, and tools for direct messages.
Users can explore topics through tags or search, and the layout feels familiar if you come from X or Instagram.
Early adopters praise its smooth performance, though some note occasional glitches during high traffic periods.
The Story Behind Upscrolled's Creation
Issam Hijazi, a Palestinian-Jordanian-Australian developer with experience at companies like IBM and Oracle, launched Upscrolled in June 2025 through his firm Recursive Methods Pty Ltd. Hijazi built the app in response to frustrations with censorship and unfair algorithms on major platforms, especially around sensitive topics.
He aimed to create a space free from political or commercial interference, funded privately by himself and aligned investors without venture capital ties.
The app gained traction in January 2026 when TikTok's U.S. operations shifted to new owners, leading to user concerns over content suppression.
Downloads surged from 150,000 to over one million in a short time, pushing it to number one on Apple's free apps list in several countries.
Servers faced overloads, but the team scaled up to handle the growth.
Headquartered in Australia, Upscrolled hosts servers in Ireland for data protection and uses global networks for speed.
Key Features That Set Upscrolled App Apart
Upscrolled packs a range of tools to support creative expression and connections. Here are the main ones:
- Posting Options: Share text updates, photos, or short videos with editing features like filters and effects.
- Feeds and Discovery: A chronological following feed shows posts in order, while the discover feed ranks content by engagement with some randomness for fairness.
- Chats and Messages: Send private messages or join real-time conversations.
- Stories and Moments: Post temporary updates that disappear after a set time.
- Transparency Tools: No hidden restrictions, and upcoming opt-in AI recommendations will stay clear and user-controlled.
The app avoids complex AI for core functions to keep things straightforward, but plans include creator payments and community notes for context on posts.
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| No Shadowbans | Posts always visible without secret limits | Builds trust in reach |
| Fair Ranking | Based on likes, comments, and time | Gives equal chances to all content |
| Video Editing | Built-in tools for clips | Easy creation on the go |
| Private Chats | Secure messaging | Keeps conversations personal |
| Trending Topics | Explore popular tags | Finds relevant discussions quickly |
Steps to Get Started on Upscrolled
Joining Upscrolled takes just a few minutes. Follow these steps for a smooth setup:
- Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open it and sign up with an email or phone number, then choose a username.
- Verify your account through the confirmation link or code sent to you.
- Set up your profile by adding a photo, bio, and interests.
- Follow accounts or search for topics to fill your feed.
- Start posting by tapping the plus icon at the bottom.
If you run into issues like slow loading, check your internet or update the app, as high demand can cause temporary hiccups.
Navigating the User Interface
The app's layout centers on a bottom navigation bar with icons for home, search, create, notifications, and profile. Swipe through feeds or tap to interact with posts by liking, commenting, or resharing.
Profiles show your posts, followers, and a share link for easy connections. Customization options let you tweak notifications and privacy settings, such as who can message you.
For video content, the editor includes trim, text overlays, and music additions. Text posts support long formats with edits after publishing, which helps refine ideas.
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| Credit: Yahoo News |
Privacy, Security, and Moderation Policies
Upscrolled prioritizes user data protection with encryption for messages and storage. It shares information only under legal requirements and avoids selling data to third parties.
Moderation focuses on removing harmful content like hate speech or illegal material, but opinions stay free unless they break clear rules.
The platform fights misinformation through planned community notes and targets bots or fake accounts. Users report issues easily, and decisions remain transparent without quiet removals.
How Upscrolled Compares to Other Social Apps
Upscrolled stands between TikTok's video focus and X's text-driven style, but with stronger emphasis on equity.
| Aspect | Upscrolled | TikTok | X (Twitter) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content Types | Videos, photos, text | Mostly videos | Text, images | Photos, videos, stories |
| Algorithm | Engagement-based, transparent | Personalized, opaque | Chronological or algorithmic | Engagement-driven |
| Censorship | Minimal, rule-based | Varies by region | User-reported | Strict on guidelines |
| User Base (2026) | 1M+ growing | Billions | Hundreds of millions | Billions |
| Monetization | Planned payouts | Creator fund | Ads, subscriptions | Shopping, ads |
This setup attracts users from TikTok seeking less restriction, especially after its ownership shift.
Pros and Cons Based on User Feedback
Pros include high engagement without biases, fast growth for new accounts, and a clean interface.
Cons involve limited features in early stages, like no web access, and occasional server strain.
Some users find the content mix heavy on certain topics, but feeds improve with follows.
Future Plans for Upscrolled App
The team eyes web access, end-to-end encryption for chats, and ad options without tracking.
Creator earnings through tips or branded deals could arrive soon, along with better discovery tools.
As it expands, Upscrolled aims to reduce reliance on big cloud providers for full independence.
FAQs About Upscrolled
Why did Upscrolled gain popularity so quickly?
It surged after TikTok's U.S. changes raised censorship fears, offering a transparent alternative that drew disgruntled users.
Is Upscrolled safe for privacy?
Yes, with encryption and no data sharing for profit, though it complies with laws.
Does Upscrolled have ads?
Not yet, but simple, non-tracking ads are planned.
Can I monetize content on Upscrolled?
Creator payments are on the roadmap, so build your audience now.
What if I encounter misinformation?
The app targets fakes and plans community notes for context.
Is Upscrolled only for certain topics or users?
No, it welcomes everyone from creators to casual sharers, not just activists.
How does Upscrolled handle censorship?
It restricts only harmful content like hate or illegal items, without shadowbans.
Where can I download Upscrolled?
From the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.
Will Upscrolled get a web version?
Yes, it's in development.
How does the algorithm work?
Feeds use engagement and time, with optional AI coming later.
Who owns Upscrolled?
Privately by Issam Hijazi and aligned investors, no big corporations.
Is Upscrolled decentralized?
Not yet, but it plans bridges to open protocols.
