At a Glance
- Threads hit 141.5 million daily active mobile users, outpacing X’s 125 million
- X still dominates desktop with 140.7 million daily web users to Threads’ 7.7 million
- Meta’s Instagram integration fuels Threads growth while X faces deepfake scandal
- Why it matters: The numbers show Meta’s platform is gaining ground on Elon Musk’s X
Meta’s Twitter competitor Threads has overtaken X in mobile daily active users, according to fresh analytics data. The shift marks a milestone in the ongoing battle between the two text-based social platforms.
Analytics firm Similarweb reports Threads reached 141.5 million daily active iOS and Android users roughly two weeks ago. X’s mobile apps trailed with 125 million daily active users during the same period.
Mobile Momentum
The mobile milestone follows months of neck-and-neck competition. Threads briefly topped X in daily active mobile users last year before the two platforms converged. October saw Threads pull ahead again, and the latest data shows the gap widening.
The mobile numbers tell only part of the story. X maintains a commanding lead on desktop platforms, where users access the service through web browsers rather than apps.
Desktop Dominance
| Platform | Daily Active Web Users (Sept 2023) |
|---|---|
| X | 140.7 million |
| Threads | 7.7 million |
The stark contrast highlights different user behaviors across the two services. X’s established user base continues to rely heavily on the web interface, while Threads users gravitate toward mobile.
Instagram’s Shadow
Threads benefits from its position as a Meta subsidiary, unlike standalone competitors X and Bluesky. The platform operates under Instagram’s umbrella, allowing for cross-promotion between the two services.
Meta’s integration strategy funnels Instagram users to Threads and vice versa. This built-in audience boost has helped fuel Threads’ steady growth since its 2023 launch.
The platform’s ascent comes amid X’s ongoing struggles with content moderation issues. A recent scandal involving the platform’s AI chatbot generating non-consensual deepfake images, including those depicting minors, sparked widespread criticism.
Competitor Gains
The controversy didn’t just benefit Threads. Bluesky, another X alternative, saw downloads spike during the height of the deepfake crisis.
Appfigures data quoted by TechCrunch shows Bluesky experienced a 50% boost in daily downloads at one point during the controversy.
Market Position
Threads’ mobile success represents a long-term trend rather than a temporary surge. The platform has shown consistent growth since its rushed 2023 rollout, which many viewed as Meta’s attempt to capitalize on user dissatisfaction with X under Elon Musk’s ownership.
The numbers reflect a shifting landscape in social media, where established platforms face increasing competition from newer entrants backed by tech giants. Meta’s resources and Instagram’s user base have provided Threads with advantages that independent platforms struggle to match.
Key Takeaways
- Threads now leads X in mobile daily active users by 16.5 million
- X retains massive web-based audience advantage
- Meta’s Instagram integration drives Threads growth
- X faces ongoing content moderation challenges
- Alternative platforms like Bluesky gain during X controversies
The mobile milestone marks a significant achievement for Meta’s platform, though X’s overall user base across all platforms likely remains larger given its web dominance. The competition between the two services continues to evolve as both platforms refine their offerings and address user concerns.
