Threads Hits 300 Million Users, Aims for the Next Billion

Meta's social media app Threads has surpassed the impressive milestone of 300 million users, with over 100 million people actively using the platform every day. Mark Zuckerberg celebrated the achievement, stating that "the momentum for Threads remains strong."

While Zuckerberg has optimistically suggested that Threads has a “real shot” at becoming Meta’s next billion-user app, it’s clear there’s still a long road ahead. That said, its growth trajectory is speeding up. Back in fall 2023, Threads hit 100 million users, and by early November 2024, it crossed the 275 million mark. Adding to its accolades, Apple ranked Threads as the second most popular app of 2024, trailing just behind shopping app Temu, which claimed the top spot.

What’s Next for Threads?

Meta seems eager to capitalize on this growth. According to reports from The Information, the company plans to roll out experimental ads on Threads starting early 2025. This move could signal the platform’s shift towards monetization as it continues to compete with other rising players.

Competition on the Horizon
Threads isn’t alone in benefiting from the exodus of users from X (formerly Twitter). Platforms like Bluesky have also seen substantial growth, doubling their user base in November to just over 25 million users. While still far behind Threads, Bluesky’s decentralized model appeals to a niche audience seeking alternatives.

My Two Cents

Threads' explosive growth feels like a comeback story Meta desperately needed after years of mixed results with platform launches. But let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: ads. Monetization always brings a shift in user experience. Whether Threads can keep its momentum while balancing growth, ads, and user satisfaction remains to be seen. For now, though, it’s clearly thriving — a fresh alternative for those who’ve had enough of X’s chaos.