Social media is a fast-moving world. New platforms rise and fall, trends shift overnight, and what’s hot today might be forgotten tomorrow. One of the biggest names to shake up the scene recently was Threads, Meta’s answer to Twitter (now called X). Launched in July 2023, Threads gained an explosive number of users in its first few days. But the real question is: Are people still using Threads?
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The Rise of Threads
When Threads first launched, it was positioned as the “Twitter alternative” that many were waiting for. With growing dissatisfaction towards Elon Musk’s changes to Twitter, millions of users flocked to Threads, making it one of the fastest-growing apps ever. Here’s a quick look at its initial performance:
| Time Since Launch | Number of Users |
|---|---|
| 24 hours | 30 million |
| 1 week | 100 million |
| 1 month | 150 million |
These numbers were impressive, but rapid growth doesn’t always guarantee long-term success. Many apps have had explosive starts only to fizzle out later. So, what happened to Threads after the initial hype?
Threads’ Current User Engagement
The reality is that Threads saw a sharp decline in user activity after its launch. While millions signed up, not all of them stuck around. Reports showed that daily active users dropped significantly just a few weeks in. But why?
Why Did Threads Lose Users?
Several factors contributed to the drop in engagement:
- Missing Features at Launch
- Unlike Twitter/X, Threads launched with a minimal set of features.
- No trending topics, no hashtags, and a lack of direct messaging made it feel incomplete.
- Lack of a Unique Identity
- Threads looked and felt like Twitter, but without the same level of discussion and engagement.
- Many users saw no strong reason to switch from Twitter/X.
- Algorithmic Feed Frustrations
- At first, Threads forced users to see recommended posts rather than just their followed accounts.
- This made engagement feel impersonal compared to Twitter’s real-time discussions.
Is Threads Making a Comeback?
Despite the drop in daily users, Threads hasn’t disappeared. In fact, Meta has been working hard to improve the app. Here are some updates that have helped regain interest:
- Introduction of a web version (Threads was initially mobile-only, which limited its usability for power users.)
- Following-only feed (Users can now see posts only from people they follow, reducing algorithmic noise.)
- Hashtags and trending topics (These features are either being tested or rolled out gradually.)
- EU launch (Threads was not available in the EU initially, but Meta has since expanded its reach.)
While these changes have helped, Threads still faces an uphill battle against Twitter/X, Bluesky, Mastodon, and other competitors.
Who is Still Using Threads?
Threads still has an active user base, even if it’s not as dominant as some expected. Here are the groups that seem to engage with it the most:
- Casual Users – Many people use Threads as an extension of Instagram, posting occasional updates and engaging with friends.
- Brands and Influencers – Some brands experiment with Threads, but it hasn’t reached the marketing importance of Twitter/X.
- People Avoiding Twitter/X – Those unhappy with Twitter’s direction under Elon Musk have moved to Threads as a calmer alternative.
Will Threads Survive in the Long Run?
The future of Threads depends on a few key factors:
- Feature Improvements – Meta needs to add more features that make Threads unique, not just a Twitter clone.
- User Retention Strategies – Keeping users engaged long-term is a challenge that Meta must address.
- Competition – With Twitter/X still dominant and new platforms emerging, Threads must carve out its own space.
If you’re looking for an alternative to Twitter/X with a more positive atmosphere, Threads is still worth checking out. However, if you rely on real-time news, trending discussions, or niche communities, Twitter/X or other platforms might be better.
So, are people still using Threads? Yes, but not as many as in the beginning. Whether it thrives or fades will depend on how well Meta adapts to user needs in the coming months.
