UpScrolled, a burgeoning social network that gained traction following TikTok's ownership shift in the U.S. earlier this year, has officially exceeded 2.5 million users, according to founder Issam Hijazi during his presentation at Web Summit Qatar.
"We initiated our platform approximately six months ago, starting with around 150,000 users by early January. Recently, we celebrated a milestone of over one million users worldwide, and now, we have surpassed two-and-a-half million," stated Hijazi.
The platform is described as a hybrid of Instagram and X, emphasizing inclusivity and diverse voices. UpScrolled aims to foster a creative space where all types of content are welcome without resorting to shadowbanning or censorship.
In his remarks, Hijazi criticized major tech companies for unethical practices, particularly regarding the sale of user data for profit. He expressed concern over the selective censorship of content on established social networks, highlighting the need for more ethical approaches.
"These companies prioritize profit over user welfare, often designing features that encourage addiction rather than mental well-being," he remarked.
While some users have raised concerns about explicit content on UpScrolled, Hijazi emphasized that the platform will not utilize amplification algorithms to promote or suppress viewpoints. Instead, the company is committed to establishing community guidelines that adhere to regional laws and is actively seeking user feedback to refine these policies.
Although UpScrolled has not publicly disclosed any funding details, Hijazi mentioned that there is growing interest from investors.
Following TikTok's change in ownership structure, which saw a consortium of investors, including Silver Lake and Oracle, take a majority stake, many users are exploring alternative social networks. UpScrolled, along with the AT Protocol-based Skylight, has seen significant user growth in the wake of these changes.
While the initial surge in user numbers is promising, sustaining engagement will require these new platforms to develop robust features and community-building strategies, alongside thoughtful content moderation policies.
