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Threads edges out X in daily mobile users, new data shows
Meta's Threads has surpassed Elon Musk's X in daily mobile users, with 141.5 million active users compared to X's 125 million. This growth is attributed to Meta's promotions and new features, rather than X's recent controversies. Though X remains more popular on the web, Threads is rapidly gaining ground and now boasts over 400 million monthly active users.
Key points
- Threads reached 141.5 million daily active users on mobile as of January 7, 2026.
- X had 125 million daily mobile users at the same time.
- Threads' growth is linked to factors such as cross-promotion via Facebook and Instagram, a focus on creators, and new features like interest-based communities.
- X's controversies, including using AI for non-consensual content, have sparked investigations but did not significantly affect Threads' rise in users.
- Threads had previously recorded 150 million daily active users and over 400 million monthly users as of August 2025.
- X still leads on the web with 145.4 million daily visits while Threads lags behind with only 8.5 million.
Why it matters
- The rise of Threads aligns with trends in the social media landscape where user privacy and safe content practices are increasingly scrutinized.
- Current trends in 2025 show a shift towards mobile-first applications, emphasizing user engagement through innovative features.
- X's controversies reflect broader societal concerns regarding AI technology and digital content regulation, impacting user retention.
Threads' recent success over X in mobile users indicates a significant shift in social media dynamics, driven by user-focused innovations and a response to issues surrounding content safety, hinting at ongoing evolution in the tech landscape.