Following TikTok's recent entry into the US market, more and more users are starting to look for alternative options. One platform that has particularly caught attention is UpScrolled, which has recently seen a significant increase in downloads and subscriber numbers. The big question is, can it become a viable alternative to TikTok?
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Why are so many users switching to UpScrolled?
Last week, TikTok announced an agreement that allows it to continue operating in the US. Under the new structure, TikTok's US operations are now controlled by a separate entity run by a board of directors with a majority of American members.
Furthermore, TikTok's content recommendation algorithm, the system that determines what appears in users' feeds, has been licensed to the technology company Oracle, headed by Trump ally Larry Ellison. As part of the deal, Oracle will be fully responsible for the app's security, including retraining and updating the algorithm based on user data in the US.
These developments have raised concerns about censorship among some users, leading many to seek alternatives like UpScrolled. Created by Palestinian-Australian developer Issam Hijazi, the app is committed to no censorship, no algorithmic interference, and no covert bans. On its FAQ page, UpScrolled notes that it does not censor opinions. However, it enforces a standard to keep the platform safe and respectful of all users.
This app quickly rose to the number 2 spot on Apple's App Store's Top Apps list (at the time of writing). UpScrolled has so far attracted a significant number of activists, but its creators emphasize that the app is for everyone. This includes content creators, business owners, vloggers, students, travelers, and ordinary people.
If you're also looking for an alternative to social networks from big tech corporations, UpScrolled might be worth considering.
Comparing UpScrolled with TikTok
TikTok has attracted millions of users worldwide thanks to its simple interface and focus on short, easy-to-watch videos. But what about UpScrolled? How similar is it to TikTok in terms of features? Let's take a closer look.
Interface
Visually, UpScrolled isn't a copy of TikTok, as its interface borrows more from Instagram and X. The profile layout looks more like X when you look at the top, while the grid at the bottom, displaying posts, resembles Instagram .
The feed also bears significant similarities to Instagram. Unlike TikTok, it combines photos, videos, and text posts. At the top of the Following feed (showing posts from people you follow), users can view Stories (photos and videos that automatically delete within 24 hours) displayed as bubbles, similar to Instagram.
Post
UpScrolled allows you to create posts in text, photo (up to 20 photos), and video (up to 20 minutes) formats. However, compared to TikTok and Instagram, the current editing options are quite limited, only allowing basic adjustments such as cropping/merging or adding filters.
Discover new content
Unlike Instagram and TikTok, the Following feed is the default on UpScrolled, allowing you to instantly see the content you want from the people you actually follow. UpScrolled claims this feed is 100% chronologically ordered, undisturbed and unmanipulated. Of course, there are also plenty of options for discovering new content.
For example, from the main page, you can go directly to the Discover page to view more content.
Missing features
Interestingly, UpScrolled doesn't currently have a dedicated video page like TikTok. Instead, it combines various types of posts. Currently, most videos on the platform are reposts from other social media apps, such as Instagram.
The app's Direct Messaging feature is currently quite simple. You can only send text messages, but that's all the app allows at the moment. Compared to TikTok, you can send stickers, photos, voice messages, and even play games with friends in the chat section.
Could UpScrolled replace TikTok?
UpScrolled is still in its early stages, but it's a promising start. Its foundation is quite solid, and with the addition of more features, it could develop into a strong alternative to TikTok, provided it stays true to its core principles.