Meta Platforms Inc.’s Threads app has surged past 400 million monthly active users, marking a significant milestone in its two-year challenge to Elon Musk’s X, formerly known as Twitter. Announced by Instagram head Adam Mosseri in a post on the platform, this figure represents a rapid ascent from 350 million users reported in April, underscoring Threads’ aggressive expansion amid shifting dynamics in social media. The update, shared on August 12, 2025, highlights how Meta has leveraged its Instagram ecosystem to fuel growth, integrating features that encourage seamless cross-posting and user discovery.

This achievement comes as Threads continues to refine its offerings, with recent updates including improved search functionality, customizable feeds, and enhanced algorithmic recommendations. Mosseri noted that the platform’s focus on fostering positive interactions has resonated with users disillusioned by toxicity elsewhere, positioning Threads as a kinder alternative in the crowded field of text-based networks.

Rapid Growth Trajectory and Strategic Moves

Threads’ user base has ballooned since its July 2023 launch, initially capitalizing on backlash against changes at X following Musk’s acquisition. Data from TechCrunch indicates that the app added roughly 50 million users in the latest quarter alone, a pace that outstrips many competitors. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg echoed this sentiment during a recent earnings call, emphasizing Threads’ potential to become a billion-user platform, much like Instagram.

Comparatively, X claims over 600 million monthly active users, based on statements from former CEO Linda Yaccarino, as reported in the same TechCrunch article. However, Threads is closing the gap, particularly in daily engagement metrics. New data from app analytics firm Sensor Tower, cited in a July TechCrunch report, shows Threads reaching 115 million daily active users on mobile, a 128% year-over-year increase, nearing X’s estimated 250 million daily users from internal disclosures.

Competitive Pressures and User Sentiment

Industry observers point to Threads’ integration with Instagram’s 2 billion-plus users as a key differentiator, allowing instant audience building without starting from scratch. Posts on X, formerly Twitter, reflect mixed sentiment: some users hail Threads’ momentum as a sign of X’s vulnerabilities, with one viral post noting Threads now commands nearly two-thirds of X’s monthly active user base. Yet, X maintains strengths in real-time news and global reach, boasting 550 million monthly visitors as per its March 2024 data drop.

Challenges remain for Threads, including monetization and international expansion. While ad testing is underway, full-scale revenue generation lags behind X’s established model. According to Social Media Today, Threads’ steady climb suggests it’s becoming a genuine rival, especially as user fatigue with X’s algorithmic shifts and content moderation policies drives defections.

Future Implications for Social Platforms

Looking ahead, analysts predict Threads could surpass X in certain demographics, particularly among younger users seeking algorithm-driven positivity. A report from eMarketer earlier this year forecasted intensifying competition, with Threads’ growth trajectory potentially accelerating if Meta introduces more federated features or deeper AI integrations. Meanwhile, X’s push into payments and video, as highlighted in posts from its official accounts, aims to retain its edge.

For industry insiders, this milestone signals a broader realignment in social networking, where user retention hinges on trust and innovation. As 9to5Mac detailed in its coverage, Threads’ crossing of 400 million users—achieved quietly a few weeks prior to the announcement—illustrates Meta’s calculated patience in building a sustainable alternative. With both platforms vying for dominance, the coming months will test whether Threads can convert its momentum into lasting supremacy or if X’s entrenched position proves resilient.