The data, which reflects usage in the early weeks of January, estimates that Threads drew roughly 143 million daily mobile users globally, compared with around 126 million for X over the same period. Analysts point to Threads’ rapid feature rollout, deep integration with Instagram and broader Meta ecosystem, and strategic cross-promotion as key drivers behind its growth.
While X, formerly known as Twitter, continues to maintain strong engagement in certain regions, including slightly higher mobile daily use in the United States, and substantial web traffic, the shift highlights a moment of momentum for Threads as it cements its position as a major player on mobile devices.
Meta launched Threads in 2023 as a text-based social platform to compete directly with X. Since its debut, the app has steadily added features such as interest-based communities, long-form posts, improved filters, private messaging and disappearing posts, broadening its appeal to both casual users and creators.
The growth trend underscores how tight integration with Instagram has helped Threads onboard millions of users quickly and sustain engagement long after its initial launch surge, with some estimates from late 2025 placing Threads’ total active user base above 320 million globally.
X, meanwhile, retains advantages in areas such as desktop web traffic and regional strength in the U.S. market, where it still draws more daily mobile users than Threads. The platform’s broader web presence remains robust, with tens of millions of daily visitors accessing the network via browser rather than mobile app alone.
The contest between the two platforms comes amid broader turbulence for X, which has faced criticism over policy shifts, moderation challenges and high-profile controversies that some analysts argue have impacted user sentiment and advertiser confidence. By contrast, Meta has positioned Threads as a more stable, advertiser-friendly environment while rolling out frequent updates aimed at improving user experience and engagement.
Industry observers say this shift in mobile user dynamics could have implications for how advertisers allocate budgets in 2026, given the importance of reach and daily engagement metrics in social media monetization strategies. Strong mobile user figures often translate into greater appeal for brands looking to tap into real-time audience interaction.
Despite Threads’ lead in mobile usage, competition remains multifaceted. Other rising platforms continue to vie for attention in the social media landscape, though none have yet approached the global scale of Meta or X. The ongoing battle for user time and advertiser dollars is expected to remain a defining theme in social networking throughout the year.
As both companies press forward with new features and adaptations in 2026, the evolving usage patterns will likely shape broader digital trends, with mobile engagement metrics continuing to serve as a key barometer of platform health and competitive strength.
Paul Balo is the founder of TechBooky and a highly skilled wireless communications professional with a strong background in cloud computing, offering extensive experience in designing, implementing, and managing wireless communication systems.
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