Threads Overtakes X in a Global Milestone
As Threads — Mark Zuckerberg’s social media platform — surpasses Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) in global daily active users, Musk has responded with sharp criticism. His remarks have reignited debates across the tech world about the rivalry between the two billionaires and the shifting dynamics of the social media landscape.
Threads’ Rapid Growth
According to several major tech outlets, Threads has officially exceeded X in daily active users, marking a significant milestone for Meta’s growing ecosystem. Integrated closely with Instagram, Threads has seen explosive growth in markets such as the U.S., India, and Europe. Many users have migrated from X following controversial changes made by Musk since acquiring the platform.
Musk’s Sharp Response
Instead of staying silent, Elon Musk fired back with a series of sarcastic posts on X, mocking Threads as “a dull copy of Instagram with fewer features.” He also claimed that “most of its users are there out of curiosity, not real engagement,” and emphasized that X remains “the true platform of free speech,” something he believes Threads cannot provide under Meta’s tight moderation policies.
Meta’s Quiet Confidence
While Meta has not officially responded to Musk’s jabs, industry experts note that Threads’ success speaks for itself. Surpassing X in such a short time — just over a year since its launch — is considered a remarkable achievement. Much of Threads’ user base comes directly from Instagram’s massive community of over two billion active accounts, providing a built-in foundation for growth.
Changing User Behavior
Analysts believe Threads’ rise reflects a growing shift in user behavior: people are increasingly drawn to friendlier, less toxic online spaces. Meanwhile, X continues to face criticism over misinformation, hate speech, and unpredictable content policy changes. Threads’ cleaner and calmer environment appears to appeal to users tired of the chaos.
Experts Weigh In
Some media analysts suggest that Musk’s harsh tone may indicate underlying pressure. “Musk understands that if Threads maintains this momentum, X will struggle to keep its dominance. This isn’t just about user numbers — it’s about trust, engagement, and brand stability,” said social media analyst Amanda Chang.
The Rivalry Continues
Despite the competition, both platforms are far from slowing down. Musk is actively rolling out new features and monetization tools for X, while Zuckerberg plans to expand Threads with ads, search functionality, and additional utilities to make it the “Instagram of text.”
Beyond Apps — A Battle of Ideologies
The rivalry between Musk and Zuckerberg represents more than just a battle between two apps — it symbolizes two opposing philosophies: Musk’s pursuit of absolute free speech versus Zuckerberg’s vision of a safer, community-focused experience. Regardless of who comes out on top, global users ultimately benefit as competition drives innovation and better digital experiences.
