Threads Overtakes X in Global Mobile Daily Users Amidst X's Woes

Meta's Threads has surpassed X (formerly Twitter) in global daily active mobile users for the first time, marking a significant shift in the social media landscape. According to recent data from analytics firm Similarweb, Threads averaged approximately 143 million daily active users worldwide on mobile devices in early January. This figure dwarfs X's 126 million over the same period, signaling a potential changing of the guard.

The numbers tell a clear story of diverging trajectories. Similarweb's year-over-year analysis reveals a striking 37.8 percent increase in Threads' daily mobile user base, while X experienced an 11.9 percent decline. While X maintains a slight edge in the U.S. mobile market with approximately 21.2 million daily active users compared to Threads' 19.5 million, Threads' growth rate in the U.S. is a staggering 42 percent versus X's comparatively meager 18 percent. It is important to note that X still dominates on desktop, drawing roughly 150 million daily users worldwide, while Threads' web presence remains relatively small at 9 million.

X's Troubles Mount as Threads Gains Traction

The shift in user base comes as X grapples with ongoing controversies and challenges. Recent criticism surrounding xAI's Grok chatbot, which was found to be generating lewd and exploitative images of women and underage girls without consent, has further damaged the platform's reputation. The company's delayed response, only acting after weeks of the chatbot generating tens of thousands of these images and following the launch of an investigation by the Attorney General of California, has drawn widespread condemnation. This misstep adds to a series of issues that have plagued X under its new ownership, potentially driving users toward alternative platforms like Threads.

Even Bluesky, Jack Dorsey's attempt to recreate the early Twitter magic, is facing headwinds. Forbes reports that Bluesky has a daily mobile user base of only 3.6 million, down 44.4 percent year-over-year. Dorsey himself has publicly criticized Bluesky, stating to Pirate Wires that it's "literally repeating all the mistakes we made as a company." The social network opened registrations in 2024.

What This Means for the Future of Social Media

Threads' ascent highlights the importance of platform stability, user trust, and innovative features in today's competitive social media environment. While X retains a strong desktop presence, its struggles with content moderation and brand safety may continue to erode its mobile user base. Meta's strategic integration of Threads with Instagram has likely contributed to its rapid growth, providing a built-in network for new users. The question now is whether Threads can sustain this momentum and further solidify its position as a leading social media platform. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Threads can truly challenge X's dominance and redefine the social media landscape for years to come.