How Threads is Competing with X (Formerly Twitter) in 2025

The battle for social media dominance is heating up in 2025, and the center of attention is the ongoing rivalry between Threads, Meta’s microblogging platform, and X, the rebranded version of Twitter under Elon Musk’s leadership. While Twitter once stood unchallenged as the default place for real-time conversations, Threads is now pushing hard to change that narrative.

But how exactly is Threads challenging a platform as culturally ingrained as Twitter (now X)? This article breaks down their competition in terms of growth, features, user experience, monetization, and public perception.

A Quick History: Threads vs. X

X (Formerly Twitter)

Twitter was rebranded as X in mid-2023 by Elon Musk as part of his vision to create an “everything app” — a platform that combines social networking, finance, commerce, and more.

Despite this bold direction, X has faced:

• A wave of controversial policy changes
  
• Frequent moderation issues
  
• Declining trust among advertisers and users
  

Threads

Launched by Meta in July 2023 as a direct response to the chaos on X, Threads quickly gained momentum. Integrated closely with Instagram, Threads had the advantage of tapping into Meta’s massive user base, instantly drawing in tens of millions of users.

Fast forward to 2025 — Threads is not just surviving; it’s actively positioning itself as a credible and cleaner alternative to X.

User Growth and Activity

Threads

• As of early 2025, Threads has crossed 300 million active users globally.
  
• Growth is strong in regions where Meta dominates (North America, Europe, India).
  
• Retention is improving as Meta refines the platform and adds new features.
  

X

• X still holds around 400 million active users, but growth has slowed.
  
• Many legacy users remain for niche communities, finance, and politics.
  
• However, user dissatisfaction is rising due to aggressive monetization and less content moderation.
  

Verdict: Threads is narrowing the gap fast. While X remains larger, Threads is attracting a more engaged and positive user base.

Feature Comparison: Who’s Innovating Smarter?

Both platforms have introduced features tailored for microblogging and content sharing, but their strategies differ.

Threads Focus: Simplicity and Integration

• Clean and ad-free interface (still relatively ad-light in 2025)
  
• Deep integration with Instagram and Facebook
  
• Non-toxic, algorithm-free feeds prioritized early on
  
• Support for longer posts, image carousels, and video replies
  
• Federated protocol (ActivityPub) integration — allowing interconnection with Mastodon and other decentralized platforms
  

X Focus: Expansion and Monetization

• Voice and video calling
  
• Live streaming with monetization
  
• Creator subscription tools (X Premium)
  
• “Everything app” features like payments and crypto support
  
• AI-powered smart feed curation using xAI (Musk’s AI company)
  

Verdict: X is innovating at a rapid pace but at the cost of simplicity and trust. Threads is winning with user-first, cleaner design choices.

Monetization and Creator Ecosystem

Threads

• In 2024, Threads launched early monetization tools like creator bonuses, but Meta is taking a cautious, ad-light approach.
  
• Meta aims to merge Threads’ creator tools with Instagram’s Reels and Shopping systems in 2025.
  
• Brands are beginning to see Threads as a safe advertising space again, especially post-Twitter ad exodus.
  

X

• Strong focus on creator monetization through subscriptions, Super Follows, and ad revenue sharing.
  
• Premium X subscribers get better visibility.
  
• However, many creators report inconsistent earnings and algorithm changes that affect engagement.
  

Verdict: X is more aggressive with creator tools, but Threads is building trust with creators and advertisers by focusing on stability and safety.

Content Moderation and Public Perception

Threads

• Meta enforces strict content guidelines to keep Threads clean and civil.
  
• Strong moderation systems already in place, using both AI and human review.
  
• Public perception: safe, professional, and brand-friendly.
  

X

• Since Musk’s acquisition, X has removed or altered many content moderation policies.
  
• Free speech is emphasized, but misinformation and harassment have increased.
  
• Public perception: edgy, chaotic, unpredictable.
  

Verdict: Threads clearly wins in moderation and safety, making it more appealing for users wanting a healthier online experience.

User Experience and Interface

Threads

• Feels like a blend of Instagram and classic Twitter.
  
• Minimal distractions, no overwhelming trends or paid boosts.
  
• Light, responsive design — works well across devices.
  

X

• Packed with features, but the interface can feel cluttered.
  
• Frequent changes and feature removals confuse users.
  
• Constant A/B testing affects consistency.
  

Verdict: Threads provides a more polished and intuitive UX, while X’s interface is more powerful but messier.

Threads’ Strategy Going Forward

Meta is slowly building Threads into something more robust:

• Plans to support multi-profile management
  
• Aiming to support more countries and languages
  
• Exploring non-algorithmic options to avoid controversies X has faced
  
• Building toward Web3 compatibility and decentralized control via ActivityPub
  

Meta’s goal is not to overthrow X overnight — it’s to create a reliable, familiar alternative that wins users over time.

Is Threads Winning the Battle in 2025?

It depends on who you ask:

• Creators are flocking to Threads for safer engagement and brand collaboration.
  
• Advertisers are coming back to Meta due to X’s unpredictability.
  
• Power users (finance, crypto, politics) still remain loyal to X, valuing its freedom and speed.
  

But Threads is quietly building a stable and sticky user base. Its integration with Meta’s other products, strong moderation policies, and simple user experience are proving effective.

Final Thoughts

The competition between Threads and X is more than just a platform war — it reflects two very different visions of what online conversation should be.

• Threads is clean, stable, and safe — ideal for mainstream users and brands.
  
• X is bold, messy, and fast-moving — ideal for disruptors and niche communities.
  

While X still holds the legacy advantage, Threads is becoming the new go-to space for those who want real-time conversation without the chaos.

As 2025 progresses, the biggest question isn’t whether Threads can survive — it’s whether it will become the new default for global online conversation.