Meta’s Twitter alternative, Threads, is showing no signs of slowing down. Mark Zuckerberg announced that the platform has reached a staggering 320 million monthly active users (MAUs), a sharp increase from the 300 million reported just last month. This marks a rapid expansion, with Threads adding approximately 20 million new users in just six weeks.
A Rapid Growth Trajectory
Zuckerberg highlighted the app’s steady climb in a recent update:
“Threads now has more than 320 million monthly actives, and we’re seeing over 1 million new sign-ups per day. I believe Threads will become the leading discussion platform, eventually reaching 1 billion users in the coming years.”
The latest surge suggests that Threads’ growth rate is accelerating. The platform initially averaged 10 million new users per month in early 2023 but has now exceeded a 25% increase in its growth rate.
Why is Threads Growing Faster?
Several factors have contributed to Threads’ explosive expansion:
- X’s Ban in Brazil – Last year, X (formerly Twitter) was temporarily banned in Brazil for non-compliance with a court order, pushing thousands of users to Threads.
- New Features & Analytics – In August, Threads introduced post analytics, boosting engagement for creators and brands.
- Crossposting Integration – The ability to crosspost from Facebook and Instagram made it easier for users to share content, driving more sign-ups.
This combination of factors, coupled with a steady exodus of users from X, has solidified Threads’ presence as a legitimate alternative in the microblogging space.
Did Threads Lose Momentum?
Not entirely. The platform did face a brief slowdown in November, particularly after the U.S. elections when Bluesky gained traction by offering a real-time, Twitter-like news experience. However, Bluesky’s momentum dwindled in December, and Threads quickly rebounded, reclaiming its upward trajectory.
Can Threads Overtake X?
At its current pace, Threads could surpass X’s active user base by the end of the year. While there are still variables that could impact growth, the sheer scale of Meta’s ecosystem gives it a unique advantage. The network effect plays a critical role—the more people use Threads, the more conversations happen, attracting even more users.
That said, not everyone is thrilled about using another Meta-owned platform, especially given recent controversies surrounding its policy shifts. However, if Threads continues to capitalize on X’s missteps, it may soon become the go-to platform for digital discussions.
