The social media industry is undergoing a major transformation, fueled by the growth of Threads, Meta’s text-centric service. Threads has added 20 million users since December, meaning around 320 million users are active on the platform every month. This rapid growth is making the competition between Threads and X (previously Twitter) even more heated, raising the questions: Why is Threads growing so fast?
Threads Monthly Active Users: A Meteoric Rise
From its launch date in July of 2023, Meta Threads’ has grown substantially. Initially regarded as Meta’s answer to Twitter’s misfortunes, Threads took advantage of the growing dissatisfaction towards X’s erratic policies, constant shifts in leadership, and the user experience they offered.
Threads has tremendously increased their retention and engagement, and their metrics have reflected this. As of January 2025, Threads active users stood at 320 million, an increase from 300 million just a month ago. This rise in active users bouts well with the argument that the platform’s ability to retain users and bring new ones is because Meta’s execution strategy is appealing.
Why Is Threads Growing So Fast?
A few important aspects make Threads, the emerging social media platform, stand out from the rest:
1. Instagram Integration
Threads’ main asset is its impediment-free integration with Instagram. Unlike sign up-based applications like Twitter, Users of Instagram can now create Threads accounts and link their followers in a matter of seconds. This has led to higher adoption and engagement rates.
2. Decreasing Popularity of Twitter
After Elon Musk purchased Twitter (now X), the platform incorporated numerous pay walls, changes in algorithms, and increased books advertising spending. With numerous users seeking alternative platforms, Threads has emerged as the platform that offers an easier, ad-free environment, at least for now.
3. Intuitive Design And Options of Usage
It does not matter whether one is a casual user or a content creator, most of them will find Threads useful because it provides familiar Twitter-like feel but with Meta’s special touch. Offering detailed content sharing, longer posts, and easy navigation, Threads has distinguished itself from the other Meta platforms.
4. Cross-Promotion with Meta Platforms.
Meta already has billions of consumers on its Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, which provides it with everything necessary to promote Threads on its other platforms. This has led to a skyrocket in organic growth because of intra-promotion.
5. Unlike Twitter, Threads Has Comprehensive Content Moderation Policies
Threads also has a positive reputation for protecting brands’ interests. With this being said, Threads attracts marketers and people who wish to gain something from social media, unlike the more relaxed Twitter moderation, which has a more negative stance towards marketers.
What’s New? Meta Threads’ Newest Update
Meta keeps adding fresh features and improvements to Threads to ensure users remain captivated. Below, are some of the recent changes made:
- Improvements For The Desktop Version: The desktop version of the site Threads is more easily navigable now.
- Trending Topics and Hashtags: Threads has now enabled topic discovery and hashtag support to rival Twitter’s real-time features.
- Enhanced Messaging Features: Users are now able to interact through direct messaging, which increases user engagement.
- Plans For Ad Rollout: Currently, Threads does not host advertisements, but Meta has expressed interest in ad sponsored content as a means of monetization.
The Future Of Meta Threads Vs X Twitter
The competition between Meta Threads and X, formerly known as Twitter, has not reached its conclusion yet. While Threads is gaining speed, X continues to be a relevant player in the social media market.
2025 Threads Predictions
More Than 400MM Monthly Active Users By Mid-Year: Based on the projections, Threads could outstrip 400 million active users in the next 6 months.
Increased Monetization Tactics: More ads and premium account features are expected out of Meta, seeing as Threads does not yet make profit.
Stronger Competition With X: Threads will continue to develop features that aim to enhance competition regarding highlights and discussions for Twitter.
Global Expansion and Localization: Meta is expected to increase Threads’ visibility in regions that do not primarily speak English.
How Can Twitter (X) Respond?
Unlike Twitter, X remains popular and has a highly committed audience, however, threading has a intuitive propensity for growth. Elon Musk intends X to be much more than a basic social network as he wants to shape it into an everything platform that includes payments and shopping.
X will continue to remain successful if, alongside competing with Threads, they manage to keep their advertising free interface user friendly and easy to navigate.
Conclusion
Meta Threads’ ability to rise becomes evidence of the increasing need to turn to platforms other than Twitter. The intergration of Threads with Instagram, clear design, and consistent updates suggest it will join the leaders of the market.
In this battle of Meta Threads versus X Twitter, consumers will choose what is best. It is without a doubt that Threads will not lose momentum, and fast.
What do you think? Will Threads surpass Twitter in 2025? Tell us in the comments!
