TikTok Users Switch to Indie Competitor: Downloads Surge

TikTok’s new US entity is grappling with significant challenges as user frustration mounts. Recent data indicates a remarkable 150 percent surge in uninstalls of TikTok in the United States over the past three months. Despite a nominal increase of 2 percent in daily active users, the overall sentiment towards the app appears to be deteriorating.

TikTok’s Technical Troubles

The analytics firm Sensor Tower reported these alarming trends. TikTok has attributed the glitches affecting its features, including view counts and load times, to a power outage at a data center. However, the company has not provided a timeline for resolving these issues.

Rising Competition from UpScrolled

Amidst TikTok’s struggles, a rising competitor, UpScrolled, has captured user interest. As of now, UpScrolled is ranked as the ninth most-downloaded app in the US App Store and the second most popular among social apps, just behind Meta’s Threads. In other regions, the app has also reached the top five in both the UK and Australian app stores.

• 41,000 total downloads in the US from Thursday to Saturday, around the time TikTok’s troubles began.
• Previously averaged less than 500 downloads a day before its recent spike.
• Overall downloads have reached approximately 140,000 across both Apple and Google app stores.

UpScrolled was initially launched in June of the previous year. The app provides a platform for users to share photos and short videos, featuring a chronological “following” feed alongside recommended content. Created by Issam Hijazi, an Australian developer, UpScrolled aims to foster an authentic user experience devoid of corporate influence.

Future Prospects for UpScrolled

While UpScrolled currently operates without advertisements, the company has hinted that monetization could be a possibility in the future. The swift rise in downloads has also led UpScrolled to ask users for patience as it navigates increased demand.

This situation echoes past instances where TikTok’s challenges inadvertently buoyed lesser-known apps, such as RedNote. Although RedNote’s rise was short-lived, it highlights a market opening for alternative platforms in the wake of user dissatisfaction with major players.

With TikTok facing growing scrutiny and technical setbacks, the time may be ripe for smaller apps like UpScrolled to redefine the landscape of short-form video sharing. Its commitment to ensuring every post receives equal visibility aligns with a growing user desire for transparency and fairness online.

As developments unfold, the competition in the social media space remains dynamic. Users continue to seek platforms that resonate with their values—authenticity, unfiltered expression, and equitable treatment.