Archive — US — techcrunch
UpScrolled’s founder says the social network has zoomed past 2.5M users
UpScrolled, a new social network launched six months ago, has surpassed 2.5 million users following TikTok's ownership change in the U.S. The founder, Issam Hijazi, criticized big tech companies for unethical practices while asserting UpScrolled’s commitment to inclusivity and user feedback. Despite hosting concerns, Hijazi emphasized community guidelines and transparency in their operations.
Key points
- UpScrolled launched six months ago and grew to over 2.5 million users recently due to increased interest after TikTok's ownership change.
- Founder Issam Hijazi criticized big tech for unethical data practices and selective censorship.
- The platform aims to avoid amplification algorithms, focusing on inclusivity and user feedback in establishing community guidelines.
- Users of other platforms have raised concerns about explicit content on UpScrolled, prompting a commitment to comply with local laws.
- Despite not publicly announcing funding, UpScrolled is attracting investor interest; other emerging platforms like Skylight also gained users post-TikTok deal.
Why it matters
- TikTok's ownership change in January 2023 led users to seek alternative social networks, benefiting UpScrolled and other platforms.
- The trend of social networks addressing user data and moderation concerns reflects a growing demand for ethical tech practices.
- Emerging platforms, like UpScrolled, must navigate community moderation and user retention challenges similar to those faced by Bluesky.
UpScrolled's rapid growth highlights a shift in user preferences following TikTok's ownership change, underscoring the demand for ethical and inclusive social media platforms in a competitive landscape.