In the wake of TikTok's recent U.S. ownership transition to a group of American investors, many users are exploring new platforms for short-form video and social interaction.
This shift comes amid concerns over potential changes in content moderation, privacy policies, and algorithmic control following the deal's finalization in January 2026.
If you're among those curious about where creators and audiences might migrate, two promising newcomers have caught attention: UpScrolled and Skylight. Both have seen notable growth spikes, positioning themselves as viable alternatives with unique twists on social media. Let's dive into what makes them stand out.
UpScrolled: A Blend of Free Expression and Simplicity
Launched in June 2025, UpScrolled bills itself as a hybrid of Twitter (now X) and Instagram during their golden eras — focusing on authentic connections without the baggage of opaque algorithms or corporate agendas. The platform emphasizes "equal voice amplification," promising no shadowbanning, pay-to-play favoritism, or algorithmic manipulation that silences users. Instead, its Discover Feed uses straightforward ranking based on engagement like likes and reshares, with a chronological Following Feed that's entirely user-driven.
This appeals to creators, activists, small businesses, and everyday users seeking a space for free expression, transparency, and accountability over profit-driven motives.
Growth has been steady but accelerated dramatically post-TikTok's handover. Since its inception, UpScrolled has amassed around 400,000 downloads in the U.S. and 700,000 globally.
However, the real surge came after the ownership change: Appfigures data shows approximately 41,000 downloads between January 22 and 24, 2026 — a staggering 2,850% increase from prior averages, pushing total installs higher.
Overall, the app has reached about 140,000 downloads, with roughly 75,000 occurring in the aftermath of TikTok's investor-led transition. It even climbed to the top of Apple's App Store charts for social media apps in several countries, including the U.S.
That said, skepticism lingers. Founded by entrepreneur Issam Hijazi, UpScrolled has been hailed by some as a pro-Palestine alternative, but others question its long-term viability. Recent policy updates banning "hate speech" have raised eyebrows about whether it truly differentiates from established platforms.
Moreover, as with any startup, the model of unfettered freedom may hold until monetization becomes a necessity — potentially introducing ads or premium features that could alienate its core user base. Despite these concerns, its 4.9-star rating and thousands of positive reviews suggest it's resonating with those tired of Big Tech's grip.
Skylight: A Direct TikTok Rival with a Decentralized Edge
For those seeking a more straightforward TikTok clone, Skylight offers a compelling option. Launched in April 2025 and backed by billionaire investor Mark Cuban, this short-form video app mirrors TikTok's vertical scrolling format but with added user empowerment. Built on the open-source AT Protocol—the same tech powering Bluesky, which now boasts over 42 million users — Skylight allows seamless portability of content and followers across compatible platforms, avoiding vendor lock-in. Users can create videos via an in-app editor or upload from elsewhere, complete with profiles, likes, comments, and shares.
What sets it apart is the ability to follow not just creators but also community curators who assemble custom feeds of videos — fostering discovery without relying on black-box algorithms. As a Public Benefit Corporation, Skylight prioritizes user well-being over profits, tying its business model to "maximizing human flourishing through digital social connection." It even integrates with Bluesky for cross-platform video streaming, enhancing its decentralized appeal.
Growth has been explosive recently. The app crossed 380,000 users by late January 2026, with over 20,000 added in just the past week amid TikTok's turmoil. January alone saw about 95,000 monthly active users, alongside metrics like a 50% increase in returning users, a 40% rise in average videos played, and a 100% jump in posts created.
With 150,000 videos uploaded directly to the platform, Skylight is positioning itself as a creator-first haven. CEO Tori White attributes this to the app's open standards: "We've seen what happens when one person dictates what's pushed into people's feeds... That's why we built Skylight on open standards."
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The Road Ahead: Monetization and Sustainability
Both UpScrolled and Skylight represent fresh attempts to challenge TikTok's dominance, capitalizing on user dissatisfaction with centralized control and potential censorship. Yet, the big question remains: How will these upstarts handle monetization without compromising their ideals?
UpScrolled's transparency-first approach could falter under revenue pressures, while Skylight's decentralized model might innovate with user-centric options like optional premium features or creator tools. As the social media landscape evolves, watching these platforms' strategies unfold will be fascinating — especially if they can sustain growth beyond the initial exodus from TikTok. For now, they're worth a download if you're ready to scroll elsewhere.
