UpScrolled, a Palestinian-founded social media platform launched in June 2025 by Issam Hijazi, has seen a sudden surge in users over the past few days, climbing from around 100,000 downloads to over one million. The growth positions UpScrolled as an alternative to Meta-owned apps like Instagram and Facebook, as well as X, where users have increasingly reported restrictions on posts related to Palestine and other politically sensitive topics.
The surge was further fueled by TikTok’s recent transition to majority American ownership, which triggered concerns over stricter content moderation, algorithmic changes, and privacy policies. Many users seeking freedom from shadow bans and opaque algorithmic filtering turned to UpScrolled, which promises transparency, fair reach, and uncensored engagement, particularly for content that is critical of Israel or supportive of Palestinian issues.
The app offers a mix of short- and long-form videos, photos, text updates, and stories, while supporting chronological feeds and reducing algorithmic filtering. Users say this allows authentic engagement without shadow bans or opaque moderation that suppresses politically sensitive content.
Although UpScrolled has been operational for months, the recent surge reflects growing demand for platforms that allow open expression without corporate or political control. The increase was largely driven by organic sharing among digital communities rather than paid promotion, showing that users are actively seeking alternatives to mainstream Big Tech environments.
The platform’s rise highlights broader trends in social media, where mistrust of dominant platforms’ moderation policies can rapidly shift user behavior. UpScrolled’s growth also signals that there is a significant audience seeking spaces where content related to Palestine and other sensitive topics can be shared freely, without interference from algorithmic or corporate biases.
While it remains to be seen whether the momentum will continue, UpScrolled has established itself as a notable space for users looking for transparency, fair reach, and a platform outside the influence of traditional social media giants.
