Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg declares, 'Threads is bigger than X,' as active users surpass Musk's platform

Meta platforms milestone data indicates that Threads has effectively closed the gap with Elon Musk’s X, matching or outperforming its chief microblogging rival across key engagement metrics.

Recently, Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg announced that Threads has matched or surpassed X in user size, driven by rapid organic growth and deep Instagram integration as the platform rivals X's dominance in real-time digital discourse.

According to the company and independent metrics trackers, Threads has climbed monthly active user mark, narrowing the historical gap with X.

During Alex Heath’s Sources podcast, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Threads has reached 500 million monthly active users as of June 2026, putting it on par with X estimates.

Independent data showed Threads leading in global daily active mobile users at times in 2025 and early 2026, though X holds advantages in web traffic and time spent per user.

Users on X questioned the claim, noting Threads' automatic Instagram sign-ups and X's strength in AI discussions, while Zuckerberg himself gains more reach posting there.

Furthermore, the platform has managed to surpass X in mobile daily active usage (DAUs) in various key regional markets, benefiting from streamlined onboarding via Instagram and a steady migration of corporate advertisers seeking brand-safe environments.

While X maintains an edge in web-based daily traffic and traditional desktop utility, Threads' explosive trajectory underscores a major shift in the microblogging landscape.

Analysts note that continuous feature rollouts such as algorithmic feed adjustments, live topic communities, and enhanced chronological timeline controls have helped Meta retain users who initially signed up during the app's record-breaking 2023 launch window.

The convergence in scale sets up a fierce ongoing battle for dominance in real-time public conversations, digital news distribution, and enterprise advertising dollars.