Instagram Threads Loses 80% of Users

Following its impressive launch in July, the microblogging application ‘Threads’ by Meta (formerly Facebook) experienced a significant drop in its user base. Initially attracting more than 100 million users within five days and reaching a peak of 2.3 million daily active users in the same month, Threads has encountered a sharp decline in growth.

According to data from Similar Web, there has been a substantial 79% decrease in daily active users. While Threads boasted 2.3 million daily active users in July, that number has dwindled to just 576,000 as of August 7th.

Brands that initially embraced Threads as a platform are also noticing a loss of user engagement and have consequently reduced their posting frequency on the platform. Notable brands, including Wendy’s, Anthropologie, and Rare Beauty, among others, have scaled back their activity on Threads.

Also Read: Threads Struggles to Retain Users’ Attention

Threads had been positioned as a competitor to X, the microblogging platform formerly known as Twitter. Elon Musk, CEO of X, publicly accused Meta of copying their concept and even mentioned the possibility of legal action. Threads gained over 5 million followers in its early hours, indicating potential competition for X, which has over 100 million daily active users. However, Threads has experienced a downturn since then, making X appear less threatened.

The rivalry between Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and X-Corp owner Elon Musk escalated beyond business competition, extending to personal interactions. The conflict even included discussions about organizing a cage fight between the two, despite their significant differences in age and weight classes.

While X seems to have defended its competitive position during this challenging time for Threads, the question remains whether Musk, who has shown his strategic prowess in various areas, will be able to hold his own in this metaphorical fight against the well-prepared and Jiu Jitsu gold medalist Mark Zuckerberg.