Meta’s Threads App Surges in Popularity, Eclipsing X in Recent Download Stats

Highlights

• Threads records 28 million downloads, ranking 4th on iOS and 8th on Google Play.
• Overtook established apps like Telegram, Snapchat, and X in monthly downloads.
• Meta confirms Threads crossing 100 million users ahead of Q4 earnings call.
• X sees a decline in downloads, ranking 36th across Apple and Google app stores.

Threads, the X (formerly Twitter) competitor from Meta, has been experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity, as evidenced by the latest download figures.

Last month, Threads emerged as the fourth most downloaded app on iOS and the eighth on the Google Play store, signifying a significant shift in user preferences in the social media landscape.

Threads Downloads on the Rise

According to data from Appfigures, Threads achieved an impressive 28 million downloads across both platforms last month, with 12 million on iOS and 16 million on Android.

Threads’ growing appeal is becoming quite evident as it outperformed well-established apps like Telegram, Snapchat, Spotify, and X/Twitter.

There is a reason for this suddent resurgence of Threads, which hadn’t featured in the top 10 most-downloaded apps list since August.

The app has started to incorporate enhanced sharing and discovery features and Instagram, the top-downloaded app in December, has been actively promoting Threads, further boosting its visibility and user base.

X in Freefall

On the other hand, X is ranked 36th across the Apple and Google app stores in December, according to TechCrunch.

Despite its long-standing presence in the market, X managed only 3 million iOS downloads and 6 million on Google Play, indicating a shift in user interest.

This decline in X’s popularity is further supported by an Axios report, citing data from app analytics firm 42Matters, which noted a decrease in new user downloads between November 2022 and October 2023.

In contrast, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently revealed that Threads was on the verge of reaching 100 million users in October, and a Meta representative confirmed via email to PCMag that the app has now crossed that milestone.

The official user count will be announced during Meta’s Q4 earnings call on February 1st.

But all is not lost with X.

Despite the impressive growth of Threads since its launch in July 2023, X continues to maintain a strong base of active users.

A report by Data.ai found that X secured the ninth spot among the top 10 apps with the most monthly active users in 2023, whereas Threads did not feature in this category.

Overall, Threads stood as the 10th most downloaded app in 2023, surpassing X but still trailing behind giants like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

FAQs

What does the surge in Threads downloads indicate for Meta?

The increase in Threads downloads reflects Meta’s successful strategy in enhancing the app’s features and leveraging Instagram’s user base for promotion, signaling a shift in the social media landscape.

How does Threads’ popularity compare with other social media apps?

Threads has become the fourth most downloaded app on iOS and the eighth on Google Play, surpassing apps like X, suggesting a change in user preferences towards Meta’s offering.

What led to the decline in X’s popularity?

X’s fall in the app download rankings is attributed to a decrease in new user interest and competition from emerging apps like Threads, as reported by 42Matters.

Will Threads’ growth impact X’s active user base?

While Threads has shown impressive download figures, X still maintains a strong active user base, indicating that both platforms cater to different user segments in the social media market.

What are the new messaging settings introduced by Meta for teens?

Meta has implemented stricter messaging settings on Instagram and Facebook, preventing teens from receiving direct messages from people they don’t follow or aren’t connected to.

How will the new Meta settings affect teens using Instagram and Facebook?

The new settings will make it harder for teens to receive unwanted messages, enhancing their safety and privacy on these social platforms.

Is there an upcoming feature for teen safety on Meta’s platforms?

Yes, Meta is planning to launch a new feature that filters out inappropriate images in messages, aiming to protect teens from potentially harmful content.

How do the enhanced parental supervision tools work?

Parents will now have to approve any changes their teens make to default safety and privacy settings, ensuring a higher level of control and safety.

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