Individuals are uninstalling TikTok and downloading an indie competitor

TikTok’s newly fashioned US entity is off to a really bumpy begin. Because the app continues to face technical points affecting the advice algorithm, view counts and different options, TikTok can also be seeing a wave of annoyed customers uninstalling it, in line with new knowledge.

Analytics agency Sensor Tower, which tracks downloads and different app store-related metrics, advised CNBC that there was a 150 p.c rise in uninstalls of the TikTok app in the US in contrast with the final three months. An analyst at Sensor Tower advised Engadget that TikTok’s US each day energetic customers (DAUs) have elevated about 2 p.c in the identical time interval, and are flat week-over-week. TikTok has blamed a power outage at an information heart for “a number of bugs,” together with these affecting view counts and cargo occasions. The corporate hasn’t mentioned when customers can count on a repair.

On the identical time, an impartial app known as UpScrolled has seen a surge in curiosity over the previous couple of days. The app is presently the ninth most-downloaded app within the US App Retailer and the second hottest social app (Meta’s Threads is presently within the primary spot for social apps). The app has additionally reached the highest 5 within the UK and Australian app shops. In the US, its sudden reputation appears to be intently tied to latest modifications at TikTok.

UpScrolled has seen 41,000 complete downloads between Thursday (the day the US three way partnership was formalized) and Saturday, in line with estimates from App Figures. The app, which was first launched final June, has been downloaded about 140,000 occasions between Apple and Google’s app shops, in line with App Figures. Previous to final Thursday, the app was averaging lower than 500 downloads a day, in line with the corporate. The fast improve in downloads has apparently prompted some points for the corporate which requested customers to “bear with us” on Monday.

Created by an Australian developer, UpScrolled appears to be like a bit like Instagram. Customers can share images and shortform movies. The app defaults to a chronological “following” feed, although it does additionally suggest content material to customers. The app is “privately funded by its founder, Issam Hijazi, along with a small group of particular person traders who share our mission and values,” in line with an FAQ on UpScrolled’s web site. It presently has no adverts, although the corporate says it “most likely” will sooner or later.

This is not the primary time turmoil at TikTok has benefitted a beforehand little-known app. Chinese language app RedNote briefly grew to become the top app in the US early final yr as TikTok confronted a possible ban. RedNote’s reputation proved to be short-lived, although, because the 2025 TikTok “ban” ended up lasting solely a few hours.

However with new homeowners at TikTok and rising frustration over technical points with the app, there may very well be a possibility for a brand new shortform video service that is not managed by an enormous company. And that is what UpScrolled appears to be betting on. “Too usually, customers are left unsure about whether or not their voices will likely be heard or quietly suppressed,” the corporate writes on its web site. “UpScrolled modifications that by making certain each submit has a good likelihood to be seen, creating an atmosphere that’s genuine, unfiltered, and equitable for all.”

Replace, January 26, 2026, 4:28PM PT: This submit was up to date to replicate the newest particulars from TikTok in regards to the ongoing points affecting the US model of the app.