Meta's Threads platform has reached 500 million monthly active users, surpassing X (formerly Twitter) in users aged 18-34 for the first time.
The milestone comes 20 months after Threads' launch, which set records for the fastest app to reach 100 million users. Growth slowed significantly after the initial surge but has accelerated again in 2026.
Threads' advantage lies in its integration with Instagram. Users can cross-post content, share followers, and switch between the two apps seamlessly. This integration has proven particularly attractive to brands and creators.
X remains larger overall (estimated 550 million MAU) and dominant in politics, news, and real-time commentary. But advertisers are increasingly shifting budgets to Threads, where brand safety concerns are lower.