Meta-owned Threads has overtaken Elon Musk’s microblogging platform X in daily mobile users, highlighting a shift in social media engagement. According to a report by market intelligence firm Similarweb, Threads now leads in mobile usage despite X remaining stronger on the web.
As of January 7, 2026, Threads had 141.5 million daily active users on mobile devices, while X reported 125 million. This steady increase in daily users for Threads reflects long-term growth trends rather than reactions to recent controversies on X.
The microblogging platform X recently faced scrutiny after users exploited its AI chatbot, Grok, to create non-consensual nude images, including those of minors. Authorities in California, along with regulators in the UK, EU, India, and Brazil, have launched investigations into the matter. This controversy may have contributed to some users exploring alternatives such as Threads and other emerging platforms like Bluesky.
Meta attributes Threads’ growth to strategic integration with its larger ecosystem, including Facebook and Instagram. Features that appeal to creators, such as interest-based communities, advanced filters, direct messaging, long-form posts, disappearing content, and even games currently in testing, have also helped expand its user base.
Threads has seen impressive numbers over the past year. In August 2025, Meta reported that Threads reached over 400 million monthly active users, while daily active users climbed to 150 million by October. The mobile experience is particularly popular, with many users favoring it over X for daily interactions.
While X still enjoys strong usage in the United States, the gap is narrowing as Threads aligns closely with mobile user habits. Analysts say this milestone positions Threads as a major competitor in the social media space, emphasizing convenience, features, and integration with Meta’s larger ecosystem.
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The continued growth of Threads demonstrates how innovation, mobile-first strategy, and cross-platform promotion can reshape social media trends and challenge established competitors like X.
