Threads vs X: Which Platform Has More Users and Engagement in 2025

Threads topped X (formerly Twitter) in global daily active mobile users in 2025. In October, Threads averaged about 128 million daily active users on mobile versus X's 125 million; Threads' lead widened through the month. Year-over-year, Threads' daily mobile users grew roughly 48% while X's fell about 16%. On engagement, one analysis of millions of posts found Threads drove about 74% more engagement than X, though median interactions per post were similar. X still leads on web traffic and in US mobile users, but the gap is narrowing.

Background: From Twitter to X and the Rise of Threads

Elon Musk acquired Twitter in 2022 and rebranded it as X. Cuts to trust and safety, policy changes, and fee experiments drove some users and advertisers away. Meta launched Threads in July 2023, tied closely to Instagram, and pushed it heavily in the feed. By 2025, Threads had passed 400 million monthly active users and about 115 million daily actives. Forbes and TechCrunch both reported Threads surpassing X in daily mobile users; Buffer has published engagement comparisons using large post samples.

Key Numbers

Threads: ~128 million global daily active mobile users (October 2025), ~400 million monthly actives, strong growth from Instagram's base of nearly 1 billion daily users. X: ~125 million global daily mobile users, ~142 million daily web users (so X still leads on desktop). In the US, X had about 21.4 million daily mobile users vs Threads' 16.6 million, but Threads has been gaining. Engagement studies show Threads ahead on average engagement per post; both sit around four median interactions per post in some samples, with different dynamics above that.

Why Threads Is Gaining

Threads is promoted inside Instagram and uses the same identity system, so sign-up is easy. Meta has added features quickly: trending topics, creator tools, and a chronological option. Many users moved over from X seeking a less chaotic experience and similar short-form text format. X's reliance on web and power users keeps it relevant for news and real-time discussion, but mobile and casual use have shifted toward Threads in many markets.

Impact on Creators and Advertisers

Brands and creators now treat Threads as a second or primary short-form text platform. Ad products on Threads are still evolving; X has more history with ads but has faced advertiser pullback. For organic reach and engagement, Threads often outperforms X in reported studies, but audience and intent differ: X remains strong for news and politics; Threads skews younger and more lifestyle-oriented in some regions.

What's Next

Both platforms will keep adding features and chasing engagement. X may lean further into payments and video; Threads will deepen Instagram integration and possibly shopping or ads. User and revenue numbers will be the ones to watch to see whether Threads sustains its lead and whether X stabilizes or continues to cede share.