Threads, Instagram’s competitor to Twitter, is facing challenges in retaining users since its highly anticipated launch, according to data from Insider Intelligence. The data, reported by CNBC, indicates that Threads is projected to have significantly fewer monthly active users than Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok by the end of this year. However, it still has the potential to narrow the gap with Elon Musk’s platform, X.
Insider Intelligence predicts that Threads will have approximately 23.7 million active monthly users in the US by the end of 2023. This falls short in comparison to the expected 177.9 million, 135.2 million, and 102.3 million active monthly users for Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, respectively. Surprisingly, X is forecasted to have 56.1 million active monthly users in the US by the end of 2023. Nevertheless, this number is not expected to stay high for long, as Insider Intelligence warns of a potential decline to 47 million by 2025 if users continue to migrate away from the platform. Conversely, Threads could see growth and reach 30 million users in 2025, according to the predictions.
Insider Intelligence’s principal analyst, Jasmine Enberg, emphasizes the limitations of Threads relying solely on defectors from X to sustain its growth. Enberg further highlights the potential alienation of X’s user base if Elon Musk proceeds with his plan to charge everyone for accessing the platform. These factors pose challenges for both Threads and X as they continue to compete in the social media landscape.