What's Happening?
Meta's social media platform, Threads, has surpassed Elon Musk's X in daily mobile users, according to a report by market intelligence firm Similarweb. As of January 7, 2026, Threads recorded 141.5 million
daily active users on iOS and Android, compared to X's 125 million. This growth is attributed to Meta's strategic cross-promotions through its larger platforms like Facebook and Instagram, as well as the introduction of new features such as interest-based communities, better filters, direct messaging, and disappearing posts. Despite X's dominance on the web, Threads' mobile app has seen a consistent increase in user engagement over the past several months.
Why It's Important?
The rise of Threads in the mobile user space highlights a significant shift in the social media landscape, where mobile engagement is becoming increasingly crucial. This development could impact advertising strategies, as companies may pivot towards platforms with higher mobile user engagement. For Meta, this growth strengthens its position in the social media market, potentially attracting more advertisers and content creators. Conversely, X's decline in mobile users could lead to a reevaluation of its mobile strategy to regain competitiveness. The ongoing investigations into X's AI tool, Grok, for creating non-consensual images may further affect its user base and reputation.
What's Next?
As Threads continues to grow, Meta may further enhance its platform with additional features and integrations to maintain user interest and engagement. The ongoing investigations into X's AI tool could lead to regulatory actions, potentially impacting its operations and user trust. Both platforms are likely to continue innovating to capture and retain users, with potential implications for their market share and influence in the social media industry.
