Meta’s social networking platform Threads has officially surpassed Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) in daily mobile users, according to new data from market intelligence firm Similarweb. The milestone highlights a major shift in social media usage habits, particularly among smartphone users, as Threads continues to gain traction across iOS and Android devices.
Threads vs X: Mobile Usage Numbers
As of January 7, 2026, Threads recorded approximately 141.5 million daily active users on mobile, compared to 125 million for X. While X still dominates desktop and web traffic, the mobile space where most social engagement now occurs is increasingly leaning toward Meta’s platform.
This growth does not appear to be driven solely by controversies surrounding X, including investigations into its AI chatbot Grok for allegedly enabling non-consensual deepfake content. Although such issues may have contributed to some user dissatisfaction, analysts suggest Threads’ success reflects longer-term platform development and ecosystem integration rather than short-term backlash.
Why Threads Is Growing Faster
One of Threads’ biggest advantages is its seamless integration with Instagram and Facebook, allowing Meta to cross-promote the app to billions of existing users. Additionally, Threads has aggressively rolled out features over the past year, including:
- Interest-based communities
- Improved content filters
- Direct messaging (DMs)
- Long-form text posts
- Disappearing posts
- Early testing of games
These updates have helped Threads evolve beyond its initial launch format, making it more attractive to creators and everyday users alike.
According to Meta, Threads surpassed 400 million monthly active users by August 2025 and reached 150 million daily active users by October figures that align closely with Similarweb’s mobile estimates.
X Still Leads on the Web
Despite Threads’ mobile dominance, X remains stronger on desktop, drawing around 145 million daily web visits, compared to just 8.5 million for Threads across Threads.com and Threads.net. However, Similarweb reports that the gap is narrowing in key markets like the United States, where X once held twice as many daily users as Threads.
Market Impact and the Rise of Alternatives
Recent controversies on X have also driven increased downloads of rival platforms like Bluesky, signaling growing competition in the social media landscape. Still, Threads appears best positioned for sustained growth due to Meta’s infrastructure and aggressive product development strategy.
Final Thoughts
With mobile usage now favoring Threads, Meta has gained a critical advantage in the battle for social networking dominance. While X maintains strength on the web, Threads’ steady rise suggests shifting user behavior one where mobile-first platforms with strong ecosystem support and rapid innovation are winning the future of social media.
