UpScrolled launched in June 2025 as a values-driven alternative to mainstream social platforms, built by Palestinian-Australian developer Issam Hijazi. Unlike Instagram, TikTok, and other competitors, UpScrolled operates on transparency: no shadowbanning, no algorithmic feed manipulation, and a strict no-data-monetization policy. The platform has rapidly gained traction, breaking into the top 15 most-downloaded social apps following concerns over TikTok’s US takeover in January 2026, with users specifically drawn to its commitment to fair visibility for all content and human-reviewed moderation.
How to Get Started with UpScrolled
UpScrolled’s onboarding takes less than five minutes. You will create an account using your email, display name, and date of birth (used only for age verification). The interface mirrors Instagram and Threads, so switching from other platforms feels intuitive. Your first action is completing your profile and choosing a visible handle.
- Download and Install – Get UpScrolled from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your smartphone or tablet device
- Create Your Account – Use your email address and set a secure password; add your display name and choose a unique handle (e.g., @yourname)
- Complete Your Profile – Add a bio, profile photo, and preferred pronouns; decide whether to use your real name or a pseudonym
- Start Posting – Share your first photo, video, text post, or story to test the content creation and publishing workflow
Who Should Use UpScrolled
UpScrolled targets users frustrated with algorithmic control, data harvesting, and content suppression on mainstream platforms. It appeals specifically to creators, activists, journalists, small business owners, and anyone seeking authentic connection without surveillance capitalism.
- Content Creators – Influencers and creators wanting equal visibility for every post, not just content that maximizes platform engagement metrics
- Activists and Journalists – Users whose content has been shadowbanned or algorithmically suppressed on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok for political speech
- Privacy-Conscious Users – People who reject data monetization and want control over what personal information is collected and shared
- NOT ideal for – Users seeking algorithm-driven discovery (UpScrolled prioritizes chronological feeds); brands relying on Meta’s business analytics; users unwilling to adopt a new platform
UpScrolled Platform Compatibility
UpScrolled is fully optimized for mobile devices across iOS and Android ecosystems. Web and desktop versions are on the official roadmap but not yet available. The app delivers consistent functionality across iPhones, iPads, and Android devices with unique platform-specific features like Apple Vision compatibility and Android 16 optimization.
| Platform |
Min. Version |
Unique Features |
Limitations |
| iOS |
iOS 15.0+ |
Apple Vision Pro support, macOS M1+ compatibility, native dark mode optimization |
No web version; iPod touch support limited to older models |
| Android |
Android 8.0+ |
Android 15-16 native optimization, Material Design 3 interface, deep Android accessibility features |
Older Android devices (pre-8.0) not supported; tablet experience still being optimized |
| Web |
N/A |
Not yet available; on roadmap for 2026 release |
Currently unavailable across all browsers |
| Desktop |
N/A |
Not yet available; currently no Windows, Mac, or Linux apps |
Desktop app development not started; mobile-first strategy in place |
UpScrolled Integrations and Ecosystem
UpScrolled’s current integration ecosystem is minimal but strategic. The app uses cloud providers globally for performance without compromising privacy. The roadmap includes interoperable bridges to open protocols (ActivityPub, AT Protocol) and creator monetization partnerships when those features launch.
- Cloud Infrastructure – AWS and other enterprise cloud providers for reliable hosting and global CDN distribution, with core data in Dublin, Ireland
- Service Providers – Crash reporting, analytics, and customer support infrastructure under strict data processing agreements with zero data resale
- Creator Monetization Partners – Roadmap includes integrations with payment processors for direct-to-fan support, branded partnerships, and creator payouts (2026)
- Open Protocol Bridges – Future integration with ActivityPub and AT Protocol to enable cross-platform reach while maintaining UpScrolled’s core values (under development)
Best Alternatives to UpScrolled
Several platforms compete with UpScrolled’s value proposition. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize decentralization, feature richness, or creator monetization. Each has distinct trade-offs around privacy, algorithm transparency, and audience size.
- Instagram – Best for audience reach and business growth, but trades user data to Meta’s advertising network; offers advanced analytics and shopping integrations UpScrolled lacks
- Threads – Best for text-first social discussions, owned by Meta (same privacy concerns as Instagram), limited visual content support compared to UpScrolled
- Pixelfed – Best for decentralization and open-source principles, uses ActivityPub protocol for federated networks, slower discovery and smaller user base than UpScrolled
- TikTok – Best for viral short-form video reach and creator earnings, but offers even more aggressive data collection and algorithmic control than Instagram
UpScrolled vs Top Competitors
UpScrolled’s competitive advantage lies in its transparency stance and refusal to monetize user data. Direct comparison with Instagram and Threads reveals where UpScrolled excels and where it still lags in feature maturity and user base scale.
| Feature |
UpScrolled |
Instagram |
Threads |
| Pricing |
Completely free with ads; no premium tier |
Free with ads; Instagram+ subscription available |
Free with ads; no premium option yet |
| Key Strength |
No algorithmic feed manipulation or shadowbanning |
Unmatched reach and business analytics tools |
Seamless text integration with Instagram ecosystem |
| Target Users |
Creators avoiding algorithmic suppression; privacy advocates |
Mainstream audiences; e-commerce brands; influencers |
Twitter/X migration users; text-focused creators |
| Unique Feature |
Chronological feed guaranteed; human content moderation transparency |
Reels engine; shopping integration; branded content marketplace |
Thread discussions; Instagram profile integration |
| Offline Mode |
No offline support; requires live connection |
Limited offline browsing of cached content |
No offline capability; live connection required |
UpScrolled Privacy and Security Overview
UpScrolled publishes transparent privacy practices that deliberately avoid the vague language typical of Meta and TikTok policies. Data is encrypted in transit and at rest; personal information never sells to third parties. Australian law governs data disclosure, and servers hosted in Dublin ensure GDPR compliance.
| Security Aspect |
Implementation |
User Control |
| Data Encryption |
TLS encryption in transit; AES-256 at rest on Dublin servers |
Users cannot disable encryption; all data protected by default |
| Authentication |
Email/password login; modern password hashing (bcrypt equivalent) |
Users can enable optional two-factor authentication (roadmap) |
| Data Collection |
Location, profile info, usage activity, device identifiers collected for service improvement only |
Users can opt out of location sharing in app settings; request data deletion anytime |
| Third-Party Sharing |
Zero marketing/profiling sharing; only legal disclosure under Australian court order |
Full transparency: no opt-out because no commercial sharing occurs |
UpScrolled Accessibility Features
UpScrolled supports English and Arabic-language interfaces natively. Accessibility statement shows the developer recognizes inclusive design’s importance, though comprehensive screen reader testing documentation is still pending. The platform supports age verification controls for users under 16.
- Screen Reader – VoiceOver (iOS) and TalkBack (Android) support in active development; full testing underway for all content types
- Visual – Full dark mode support, font scaling to 200%, high contrast options, captions on short-form videos under development
- Motor – Full gesture-based navigation with voice control support; no mandatory swipe-only interactions
- Languages – English and Arabic fully supported; right-to-left (RTL) layout for Arabic; additional languages under review for 2026
Power User Tips for UpScrolled
Mastering UpScrolled requires understanding its chronological algorithm and human moderation approach. These tips help established users maximize reach, build engaged communities, and navigate features still under development.
- Post During Peak Hours – Since UpScrolled uses chronological feeds, posting when your followers are active (typically 8-11 AM, 5-8 PM in your timezone) increases immediate engagement and visibility
- Use Topics Strategically – Tag posts with relevant regional topics to appear in regional discovery feeds (e.g., #Gaza, #Palestine, #News, #Technology); trending topics change daily
- Enable Public Profile – Keep your profile public and discoverable; UpScrolled explicitly rejects invisible accounts, so visibility relies on genuine user interest, not algorithmic amplification
- Build Community Directly – Message followers directly using chat to build loyalty; no algorithm exists to suppress your reach, so relationship-building pays directly
- Report AI Content and Bots – Use the new AI content flag (v1.4.1+) to report AI-generated posts and suspicious accounts; human reviewers actively moderate flagged content within 48 hours
UpScrolled Support and Community
UpScrolled maintains transparent support channels through its official website and email. The platform is newer than Instagram or TikTok, so community-driven support on Reddit and Twitter is still emerging, but the core team actively responds to user feedback and bug reports.
- Official Help Center – https://upscrolled.com/en/faq/ covers setup, pricing, content moderation, data privacy, and roadmap questions
- Community Forum – No official forum yet; users discuss issues and tips in r/UpScrolled (Reddit) and @UpScrolled social media
- Social Media – Instagram (@upscrolled), Twitter/X handle active; official updates posted daily on major platform changes and new features
- Contact Support – Email [email protected] or [email protected] for account issues, reports, or feature requests; response time typically 24-48 hours
22
