Meta’s Threads celebrates 275 million user milestone

Just 16 months after its launch, Threads has reached 275 milliion monthly active users, according to Adam Mosseri, the Head of Threads and Instagram. This milestrone marks a significant chapter in Meta’s challenge to competitor X, formerly known as Twitter.

Launched in July 2023, Threads was developed as an alternative to X, targeting users seeking new and engaging social networks. The platform experienced a remarkable uptake in the early stages, buzzing with over 100 million sign-ups within its first week. This swift adoption was facilitated by its integration with Instagram, allowing users to easily transfer their profiles.

Although Threads had an impressive start, the platform witnessed a decline in user engagement after the initial rush. Some users migrated to alternative networks or reverted to more established social media platforms. Despite these fluctuations, Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, remained optimistic, citing Threads’ growth as aligned with the company’s projections and emphasising future enhancements and potential.

A critical factor in Threads’ sustained growth appears to be its cultural resonance. The platform captured significant attention when renowned artists, such as Taylor Swift, joined, reflecting Threads’ growing presence in contemporary pop culture. This cultural synergy has been particularly appealing to younger demographics, maintaining their interest and interaction.

Meta has evolved Threads to meet user demands by expanding its features. Notably, the platform integrates with ActivityPub, a decentralised protocol underpinning networks such as Mastodon. This strategic integration allows Threads’ users to connect with wider platforms, fostering a more interconnected social media landscape.

With the rollout beginning in March 2024, US-based users over 18 are now able to link their accounts with this decentralised network, enabling their posts to appear across interconnected servers. This innovation aligns with Meta’s vision of an open, interconnected internet, setting Threads apart from other predominant social media platforms.

By the first quarter of 2024, Threads had exceeded 150 million monthly active users. This figure grew continuously, surpassing 175 million users by July 2024, eventually reaching the current total of 275 million monthly active users—a leap of 57.14% in months.

As Threads progresses, the development team under Mosseri remains committed to enhancing user experience and attentively incorporating user feedback. Mosseri emphasised this focus in his announcement, stating there’s “a lot more to do and plenty of things to fix.”

With innovative features designed to sustain engagement and broaden appeal, Threads positions itself as a formidable competitor within the social media sector. The platform’s growth trajectory and Meta’s proactive improvement strides underscore the tech giant’s commitment to enriching its social media offerings.

Source: Noah Wire Services