Threads, Meta’s microblogging platform positioned as a rival to Elon Musk’s X, is on the verge of overtaking its competitor in daily active mobile users, according to new data from web analytics firm Similarweb.
The report indicates that Threads has steadily grown its base across iOS and Android, drawing closer to X’s estimated 130 million daily active users worldwide.
The findings mark a potential turning point in the competition between the two social platforms, as Threads launched in July 2023 appears to be capitalizing on its integration with Instagram and Meta’s broader ecosystem.
Meta introduced Threads last year as a text based social platform, designed to offer a more conversational alternative to X, formerly known as Twitter. The app saw explosive early growth, hitting 100 million sign ups within days of launch.
After an initial decline in user engagement, Threads began a steady climb in 2024 as Meta refined its features and expanded global availability.
According to Similarweb’s latest data, Threads now matches X in daily active users on mobile, a metric long dominated by Musk’s platform. The analytics firm said both platforms currently attract around 130 million daily active users, with Threads trending upward.
X, rebranded by Musk after his 2022 acquisition of Twitter, has struggled with user retention and advertiser confidence amid sweeping policy changes and content moderation shifts. Despite those challenges, X remains a staple for desktop users and continues to generate higher web traffic overall.
Industry analysts view Threads’ growth as both a validation of Meta’s strategy and a reflection of shifting user habits. “Threads’ integration with Instagram has been a major accelerant,” said Julia Reynolds, a social media strategist at Digital Growth Partners.
Meta’s ability to cross-pollinate audiences gives Threads an advantage that independent platforms like X simply don’t have. Reynolds added that Meta’s emphasis on positive discourse and community moderation may also be drawing users who feel fatigued by X’s more volatile environment.
Tech policy expert Daniel Kim of the Global Internet Forum agreed that platform ecosystems matter. “Meta’s interconnected apps create a funnel effect,” Kim said. Threads isn’t competing in isolation it’s part of a suite that includes Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. That network effect is powerful.
Still, Kim noted that X’s influence remains significant in news and political circles. “X continues to be the go to platform for journalists, policymakers, and breaking news,” he said. “Threads hasn’t fully captured that audience yet.”
Similarweb’s report shows that while Threads has reached parity with X in mobile usage, X still commands stronger desktop engagement. Analysts attribute this to longstanding user behavior patterns dating back to Twitter’s early years as a web-first service.
Threads’ estimated 130 million daily active users stem primarily from mobile app activity, particularly through Instagram referrals. The platform announced in August that it had surpassed 400 million monthly active users, underscoring its broader reach within Meta’s network.
By comparison, X’s overall traffic remains higher when including web users, though its mobile growth has plateaued. Similarweb’s data suggests that Threads could surpass X in daily active mobile users “within days” if current trends continue.
For many users, the choice between Threads and X reflects differing experiences and expectations. “I switched to Threads because it feels more positive,” said Sara Malik, a freelance designer based in London. “I still use X for news, but Threads is where I share ideas and connect with people without all the noise.”
Others remain loyal to X’s open discourse. “X still has the energy of a real-time conversation,” said James Porter, a journalist in New York. “Threads is growing fast, but it doesn’t yet have the same immediacy or diversity of voices.”
Social media users in emerging markets also note accessibility as a key factor. “Threads loads faster and feels more stable on my phone,” said Ahmed Raza, a student in Karachi. “Many of my friends joined because it’s linked to Instagram.”
Experts caution that surpassing X in mobile daily active users is just one milestone in a broader contest for attention and engagement. Sustained growth will depend on whether Threads can maintain user retention, attract creators, and build a distinct identity beyond Meta’s ecosystem.
“Threads has momentum, but keeping users engaged over time will require continuous innovation,” said Reynolds. “Features like trending topics, better discovery tools, and global community building will be crucial.”
For X, the challenge lies in stabilizing its user base while navigating revenue pressures and regulatory scrutiny. Musk has signaled ambitions to transform X into an “everything app,” integrating payments and media services, but those plans remain in development.
As Threads closes in on X in daily active users, the social media landscape is witnessing a rare shift in dominance. Meta’s strategic integration, coupled with growing mobile engagement, positions Threads as a formidable challenger in the microblogging space.
While X continues to lead in web traffic and influence among journalists and policymakers, Similarweb’s data underscores a new reality mobile users are increasingly choosing Threads.
Whether this surge translates into lasting leadership remains to be seen, but the competition between the two platforms is poised to intensify in the months ahead.