The world of social media is going through a massive change as Meta Threads officially overtakes X in daily mobile activity. For a long time, the platform formerly known as Twitter held the crown for real time conversations on our phones. However, recent data from Similarweb shows that the tide has turned. As of early January 2026, Threads has reached a milestone of 141.5 million daily users on mobile devices. In contrast, X has seen its mobile audience dip to around 125 million daily users. This shift marks a significant moment in how people across the globe choose to spend their time online.
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The rise of Threads is not just about numbers but about a fundamental change in user behavior. While X still maintains a strong presence on desktop computers for professional use and news, the everyday mobile routine of the general public is moving toward Meta’s offering. This transition suggests that users are looking for a different kind of digital environment. Instead of the high pressure and often chaotic atmosphere associated with other platforms, many people are finding a more comfortable home in the curated and family friendly space that Threads provides.
Why the Audience is Choosing Threads Over X
This shift in mobile usage does not appear to be a sudden fluke or a temporary reaction to news cycles. While X has faced various hurdles and regulatory scrutiny over the past year, the growth of Threads is the result of long term planning by Meta. One of the biggest factors in this success is how Meta has used its existing ecosystem to help people find the app. By promoting Threads across Facebook and Instagram, the company made it incredibly easy for billions of people to discover the platform and try it out without any friction.
Another key reason for this growth is the constant stream of updates and new features. Meta has worked hard to move Threads beyond being just a simple app for text posts. Over the last year, they have introduced things like topic based communities and better content controls and direct messages. They even started testing fun additions like in app games and disappearing content to keep the experience fresh. These features help turn the app into something people want to check multiple times a day rather than just once in a while.
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Building a Home for Creators and Communities
Meta has also made a conscious effort to attract creators who want a stable and engaging environment. By focusing on tools that help people build real connections, Threads has become a favorite for those who want to foster communities rather than just broadcast messages. The platform now offers longer posts and more interactive features that allow for deeper conversations. This focus on the creator experience has paid off, as more influential voices move their daily updates and discussions over to the app.
The data shows that Threads hit 400 million monthly active users in 2025 and continued to grow steadily from there. This proves that the platform has staying power and is not just a passing trend. By the end of 2025, the daily active user count had already reached 150 million, showing a consistent upward trajectory. As the mobile audience shift continues into 2026, it is clear that the focus on execution and user experience is what sets Threads apart in a crowded market.
The Future of Mobile First Social Media
As we look at the current landscape, the battle for our attention is clearly being fought on our smartphones. The fact that Threads has pulled ahead on mobile while X still leads on desktop shows two different paths for social media. Threads is positioning itself as the primary mobile first strategy for the masses, while X remains a tool for specific niches and professional browsing. For most people, the convenience and integrated nature of the Meta family of apps make Threads the more natural choice for their daily digital life.
With new features like interactive games and enhanced community tools, Threads is evolving into a multi dimensional platform. It is no longer just a place to read news but a place to play and chat and connect with others in a meaningful way. As more users leave behind older platforms in search of something more modern and reliable, the lead that Threads has built on mobile is likely to grow even further. The shift we are seeing today is just the beginning of a new era in social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason Threads is growing faster than X on mobile?
The growth is driven by Meta’s long term strategy of cross promoting the app on Facebook and Instagram along with the frequent addition of new features like communities and direct messages.
How many daily active users does Threads have on mobile currently?
As of early January 2026, Threads recorded approximately 141.5 million daily active users on mobile phones compared to 125 million for X.
Does X still have more users than Threads in any category?
Yes, X still attracts a larger audience on desktop browsers and has a high volume of traffic from users who use social media for professional news and real time updates.
What are some of the new features added to Threads recently?
Threads has recently added topic based communities and direct messaging and longer posts and disappearing content and is even testing interactive games within the app.
Is the shift to Threads a result of recent controversies at X?
While controversies have pushed some users to try alternatives like Bluesky, the steady growth of Threads seems to be more about its consistent product updates and its strong mobile first strategy.
How many monthly users did Threads reach in 2025? Meta disclosed that Threads surpassed 400 million monthly active users during 2025, showing that its growth has been steady and significant over the past year.
