In a world where social media platforms evolve at lightning speed, two names have become synonymous with real-time conversation and public discourse—Instagram Threads and X, the rebranded version of what was once known as Twitter. Since Threads launched in 2023 as Meta’s answer to X, the competition between the two has only grown fiercer. Now, in 2025, the digital battleground has matured into a tug-of-war over attention, influence, and user loyalty.
So the big question is—which platform is actually winning in 2025? To find an answer, we’ll explore their user growth, engagement trends, monetization models, cultural impact, and how each platform aligns with the changing needs of users.
A Quick Recap: What is Threads and What Happened to Twitter
Threads was introduced by Meta as a microblogging companion to Instagram. It was designed for real-time text updates, borrowing Twitter’s core concept but integrating Meta’s visual aesthetic and social media ecosystem. The idea was simple—create a friendly, clean, and Instagram-integrated alternative to Twitter.
On the other side, Twitter, after being acquired and rebranded as X by Elon Musk, went through massive changes. From looser content moderation policies to paid verification and the push toward being an “everything app,” X shifted its identity from a social media platform to a broad tech experiment.
Now, both platforms have matured beyond their early iterations, offering vastly different experiences.
User Growth and Retention
As of early 2025, Threads has surpassed 180 million monthly active users, while X maintains a fluctuating user base estimated around 220 million. While X continues to have a larger user base, Threads has shown steadier growth. A large part of Threads’ success lies in Meta’s ability to link it with Instagram, making onboarding seamless.
However, user retention tells another story. Threads initially struggled to keep users engaged beyond their first week. In 2025, Meta has improved this by introducing features like trending topics, improved recommendations, and deeper creator tools. Still, many users consider Threads more of a “chill zone” rather than a news source.
X, on the other hand, remains a destination for breaking news, political discourse, and high-velocity engagement. But that comes at a cost. Many users report fatigue due to aggressive monetization, spam accounts, and unpredictable platform changes.
Platform Culture and Community
The culture of Threads and X is one of their most distinct differences. Threads brands itself as a positive, community-first platform. The tone is more conversational, personal, and relaxed. Think group chats with the public watching. People post updates, share memes, talk pop culture, and engage without fear of trolls as much.
X, however, still carries the weight of global news and unfiltered opinions. It is raw, fast-paced, and often controversial. For some, this is its strength—a place where real issues are debated, ideas are challenged, and movements are born. For others, it feels toxic and unpredictable.
Threads wins when it comes to mental wellness and user satisfaction. X wins when it comes to reach, relevance, and real-time virality.
Monetization and Creator Tools
Monetization is another area where these two platforms diverge. Threads, although still new in this department, has started rolling out creator rewards, ad-sharing programs, and brand partnership tools. However, monetization on Threads remains modest and mostly accessible to large creators backed by Meta.
X, under Elon Musk, went all-in on creator monetization. From ad revenue sharing to paid subscriptions and exclusive content, X gives creators multiple ways to earn. The problem lies in inconsistency—many small creators complain about delayed payments, unclear rules, and shifting eligibility requirements.
For creators who prioritize stability and community engagement, Threads offers a smoother ride. For those chasing higher earnings and viral potential, X remains the bigger opportunity—if they can handle the chaos.
Innovation and Feature Updates
In terms of innovation, X is miles ahead in ambition. It has incorporated features like long-form video, in-app payments, job listings, and even AI-generated content tools. Musk has turned X into a social media experiment with ambitions far beyond microblogging. Whether this turns X into a WeChat-style super app or causes it to lose focus is still up for debate.
Threads, by contrast, is more conservative. Meta focuses on polishing core features, ensuring safety, and making Threads a clean companion to Instagram. It doesn’t innovate as aggressively, but users appreciate the consistency and design stability.
If you want a platform where you can expect regular but gradual improvements, Threads is the answer. If you thrive in an experimental, feature-packed environment, X may still be more exciting.
Influence on Society and News
X has undeniable influence over public discourse. Politicians, journalists, CEOs, and thought leaders continue to use X as a sounding board. It is where news breaks first and where opinions are shaped on a global scale.
Threads doesn’t hold that kind of power—at least not yet. It is more reflective of social chatter and community conversations than hard news or activism. This limits its role in shaping the broader narrative, but also makes it a safer and calmer space for users who don’t want to be caught in the storm of global affairs.
Privacy and Moderation
In terms of moderation, Threads currently leads with stricter content guidelines and automated detection tools. Meta’s long history with content moderation plays in its favor. Threads users report fewer incidents of harassment, hate speech, or misinformation.
X has taken a more open stance toward free speech, often leading to an uptick in offensive or polarizing content. While this aligns with Musk’s vision of uncensored discourse, it also opens the door to instability and user distrust.
Which One is Winning in 2025?
That depends on how you define “winning.”
If winning means cultural influence, breaking news, and viral velocity, then X still holds the crown. It remains the platform of record for global conversations, political movements, and trending moments.
If winning means user satisfaction, mental wellness, and community safety, then Threads has carved out a meaningful lead. It offers a calm, controlled, and thoughtfully designed space for connection.
In terms of business models, both platforms are still figuring things out. X is more ambitious but chaotic. Threads is more stable but slower in innovation. The race is far from over.
Final Thoughts
The battle between Instagram Threads and X is not just about features or followers—it is about how people want to engage with the world. Some crave the speed and rawness of X. Others want the comfort and curation of Threads. In 2025, both platforms serve different needs, and that might be the secret behind their coexistence.
Rather than one clear winner, what we’re seeing is a split in digital behavior. Some users now use both platforms—Threads for casual updates, and X for information and impact. And maybe that’s the real takeaway from this race. It’s not about who beats who. It’s about who serves who better.
