UpScrolled, a newly launched social media application, has taken the tech world by storm, skyrocketing to the top of the Apple App Store in the United States. Created by Issam Hijazi, a Palestinian-Australian entrepreneur, this app not only leads the charts in the U.S. but has also gained significant traction in various other countries, placing second overall in iOS downloads—just behind OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
But here's where it gets controversial: the recent tumult surrounding TikTok in the U.S., including technical failures and allegations of censorship, may have played a pivotal role in UpScrolled's rapid rise.
On a recent Monday, numerous TikTok users reported issues when attempting to post or search for content related to the widely discussed Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Others noticed that posts involving U.S. immigration enforcement were being noticeably limited in visibility. TikTok attributed these problems to technical glitches rather than any form of censorship. Yet, the shadow of censorship is not a new phenomenon for TikTok, stirring heated debates among users and observers alike.
The inception of UpScrolled was driven by the perceived bias on major social media platforms against those advocating for Palestinian issues. The creators of UpScrolled articulated their vision in a blog post, stating, "What began as a response to the silencing of Palestinians has become a refuge for many others who feel marginalized by mainstream platforms."
This sentiment gained momentum during the Israeli military operations in Gaza, which followed an unprecedented attack by Hamas in October 2023. During this time, several mainstream social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, faced accusations of censoring posts that depicted the devastation in Gaza. Activists highlighted concerns regarding algorithmic bias, suggesting that certain narratives were being suppressed.
Issam Hijazi, reflecting on the motivations behind UpScrolled, expressed that the struggle was deeply personal. He noted, "Watching his people be erased in their homeland while the digital space narrowed around them created a tension he could no longer sit with."
Hijazi’s background, with experience at tech giants like IBM, Oracle, and Hitachi, equipped him with the skills necessary to develop UpScrolled into a viable platform.
Adding to its credibility, the Arab Centre for the Advancement of Social Media, known as 7amleh, recently announced its support for UpScrolled, highlighting the app's growing influence in the digital advocacy landscape.
In light of the challenges faced by the newly formed U.S.-led TikTok entity, which has raised concerns over pro-Palestine censorship alongside technical issues, UpScrolled saw a surge in interest. Over 100,000 new users flocked to the app, joining the existing 90,000 users already on board.
The user interface of UpScrolled will be familiar to many, offering features such as posting updates with links, videos, and images. Users can follow one another and utilize options to like and share content, similar to other social media platforms. Additionally, the app includes a feed tailored to the accounts users follow, along with a discovery section for exploring new content.
While UpScrolled's impressive growth is noteworthy, it’s essential to recognize that the social media landscape is littered with examples of apps that started strong but ultimately struggled to maintain user engagement. Take Post, for instance—a much-hyped platform launched shortly after Elon Musk acquired Twitter in 2022, which sadly ceased operations in 2024. Similarly, Mastodon, although it continues to operate, has failed to sustain long-term interest despite its initial appeal.
Based in Australia, UpScrolled emphasizes values like stability, rule of law, and robust democratic principles—elements that underpin the platform's mission. The app states, "These foundations support independence, fairness, and the right to speak freely without undue interference."
In its comprehensive Q&A section, UpScrolled clarifies that it does not aim to become the 'Wild West' of social media. Instead, it is dedicated to combating misinformation through proactive measures targeting bots, fake accounts, deepfakes, and organized propaganda—regardless of the perspectives involved. Furthermore, while pro-Palestine discussions are encouraged, UpScrolled underscores that it is designed for everyday users looking to share their experiences, not solely activists.
For those interested, UpScrolled is available for free download on both the Apple iOS App Store and Google Play.
