Threads App Surges in Downloads, Outshines Competitor X: Recent Report
In the dynamic landscape of social media platforms, Meta’s Instagram introduced Threads in July 2023, a microblogging platform akin to the former Twitter, now referred to as X. While Threads witnessed a staggering 100 million registered users within its first five days, sustaining regular user engagement posed a challenge. However, recent developments indicate a turnaround for Threads, with an uptick in downloads, while competitor X experiences a decline.
According to insights from app intelligence firm Appfigures, Threads recorded 12 million new downloads on Apple’s App Store and 16 million on Google Play in December 2023. This propelled Threads to secure the 4th and 8th positions on the Most Downloaded Apps list for the respective platforms, securing an overall 6th position in the combined rankings. Currently boasting an estimated 160 million users, Threads has strategically implemented new features to bolster user engagement, especially after the initial surge.
Instagram, Threads’ parent platform, dominated the charts by claiming the top spot on the list with a cumulative download count of 54 million. This surpassed TikTok, which secured the second position with 47 million downloads. Other Meta-owned entities, Facebook and WhatsApp, also made a notable appearance in the top 10, garnering 39 and 38 million new downloads, respectively, and ranking at 3rd and 4th.
In contrast, competitor X, owned by Elon Musk, witnessed a decline in fortunes, registering an estimated total of 8.5 million new downloads. This led to X slipping to the 36th position on the list, a notable drop. However, context is essential, as a PCMag report underscores that Twitter, the predecessor to X, was launched in 2006 and currently boasts a massive user base of 540 million.
The ever-evolving landscape of social media platforms continues to witness shifts and challenges, with Threads carving its niche and competitor X navigating the complexities of a well-established user base.
