Last Updated: January 2026 | Reading Time: 4 minutes | Author: MacReview Editorial Team
A relatively unknown short-form video app has suddenly captured the attention of millions of users seeking alternatives to TikTok. UpScrolled, an Australian-developed platform launched just seven months ago, has climbed to the top of the App Store charts as technical issues and ownership concerns drive some users away from the established social media platform.
What Is UpScrolled?
UpScrolled is a short-form video sharing app developed by Recursive Methods, an Australian-based company founded and owned by Jordan-born, Australian citizen Issam Hijazi. The app launched approximately seven months ago with relatively little fanfare, receiving its last App Store update on November 2, 2025.
The platform operates as a scrollable video feed similar to other social media apps, allowing users to discover and share short video content. Until recent events, the app maintained a modest user base and minimal public visibility.
Rapid Growth Following TikTok Disruptions
UpScrolled’s sudden rise coincides with a period of significant turbulence for TikTok. Following the completion of a transition to U.S.-based ownership through a joint venture arrangement, TikTok users reportedly experienced widespread technical glitches and service disruptions over the past week. These issues, combined with concerns about the new ownership structure’s relationship with the current U.S. administration, have prompted some users to explore alternative platforms.
The app currently holds the second position on the App Store charts, behind only ChatGPT. In a video posted to the platform, founder Issam Hijazi confirmed that UpScrolled has surpassed one million users, describing the growth as occurring “at a pace [he] could only have dreamed of.”
User Migration Patterns
The migration to UpScrolled represents a familiar pattern in social media dynamics. When established platforms experience technical difficulties or policy changes that concern users, alternatives often see temporary or sustained growth as dissatisfied users seek new options. The scale of TikTok’s user base means that even a small percentage of users exploring alternatives can translate to significant opportunities for competing platforms.
Developer Background and Platform Vision
In his recent post celebrating the one million user milestone, Hijazi shared details about his background and motivation for creating UpScrolled. The Australian-based developer outlined his vision for the platform, though the app’s relatively short operational history and minimal update cadence raise questions about long-term development plans and feature roadmaps.
The app’s infrastructure and capacity to handle rapid user growth remain to be tested. Platforms that experience sudden viral adoption often face technical challenges in scaling server capacity, content moderation, and community management systems.
Availability and Platform Support
UpScrolled is currently available on the App Store for iPhone and iPad users. Information about Android availability or plans for additional platform support has not been publicly confirmed. The app’s download is free, though details about monetization strategy, premium features, or subscription options remain unclear.
FAQ
Q: Is UpScrolled available on Android devices?
A: Public information currently confirms App Store availability for iOS devices. Android platform support has not been announced, though developers of similar apps typically expand to additional platforms following initial success.
Q: Does UpScrolled offer the same features as TikTok?
A: UpScrolled provides short-form video sharing functionality, but specific feature parity with established platforms has not been detailed. Users considering a switch should evaluate whether the app’s current feature set meets their content creation and consumption needs.
Q: How does UpScrolled handle content moderation?
A: The platform’s content moderation policies and enforcement mechanisms have not been publicly detailed. This is an important consideration for any rapidly growing social platform.
MacReview Verdict
UpScrolled’s sudden prominence illustrates how quickly user preferences can shift in the social media landscape, particularly when established platforms face technical or policy-related challenges. The app’s climb to second place on the App Store demonstrates genuine user interest in alternatives, though whether this represents a temporary exodus or sustained migration remains uncertain.
For users considering UpScrolled, the platform’s youth presents both opportunities and risks. Early adopters may benefit from joining a growing community, but the app’s limited track record, infrequent updates, and unproven infrastructure at scale warrant careful consideration. History suggests that social media migrations are rarely complete, and many users ultimately maintain presence on multiple platforms rather than fully abandoning established services.
The coming weeks will likely prove critical for UpScrolled’s long-term viability. Successfully managing rapid growth, maintaining service stability, and developing a clear feature roadmap will determine whether the app can convert this moment of attention into sustained relevance in an increasingly competitive market.
