Instagram Threads vs X (Twitter): Who’s Winning the Battle in 2025?
The battle for microblogging dominance in 2025 is more intense than ever, with Instagram Threads, Meta’s text-based social platform, going head-to-head against X, the rebranded version of Twitter under Elon Musk’s leadership.
What started as a race for users in 2023 has evolved into a full-scale war for attention, engagement, and influence. In a time where people are consuming fast content in faster ways, these two platforms are setting the tone for digital conversation.
So, who’s really winning in 2025—and what does this competition mean for users, creators, and the future of social media?
A Quick Recap: Threads vs X – How We Got Here
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Twitter (now X) was the original leader in short-form social text since its 2006 launch.
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Elon Musk’s acquisition in 2022 brought major changes: open-sourcing algorithms, content moderation shifts, and a push toward an “everything app.”
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Threads launched in July 2023 by Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) as a Twitter alternative, built on top of Instagram’s massive user base.
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Threads saw 100 million signups in under a week, fueled by its seamless Instagram integration.
However, initial excitement around Threads dipped due to limited features and unclear positioning. Meanwhile, X faced its own issues—controversial content, monetization struggles, and user fatigue.
By 2025, both platforms have matured significantly—and the battle is in full swing.
1. User Base: Who Has More Active Users in 2025?
As of mid-2025:
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X (Twitter) reports approximately 360 million monthly active users, though many are passive or lurkers.
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Instagram Threads has grown to 280 million monthly active users, with higher engagement rates among Gen Z and Millennial users.
While X still leads in raw numbers, Threads is catching up fast, particularly in non-US markets like India, Brazil, and parts of Europe.
Winner: X, but Threads is closing in
2. User Experience & Design
🔹 Threads
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Clean, Instagram-inspired design
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Smooth integration with Instagram and Facebook accounts
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Content moderation is more consistent
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AI-curated feeds showing trending and relevant posts
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Now supports hashtags, trending topics, and full web interface
🔹 X (Twitter)
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Still offers more advanced features (Spaces, Lists, Communities)
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However, increased clutter from paid verification and ads has annoyed users
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Recent design updates have been criticized for complexity
Threads wins for simplicity and intuitive UX, especially for new users.
Winner: Threads
3. Content Moderation and Safety
Elon Musk’s “free speech absolutism” has given X a reputation for being more open—but that comes with a rise in misinformation, trolling, and abuse. Though X has AI tools in place, users still report inconsistencies.
Threads, backed by Meta’s moderation policies and tools, provides a cleaner, more family-friendly environment. It aligns more closely with advertiser expectations and brand safety.
Winner: Threads
4. Monetization and Creator Tools
🔹 X
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Offers ad revenue sharing through X Premium
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Live tipping and subscriptions for creators
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Musk has focused on turning X into a creator monetization engine
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However, inconsistent ad revenue and strict requirements are a downside
🔹 Threads
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Recently introduced monetization tools via Meta’s Creator Marketplace
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Supports Instagram’s existing brand partnership tools
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Still limited for text-based content monetization compared to X
While X is better for direct monetization, Threads may be more attractive for creators already in Meta’s ecosystem.
Winner: X (for now)
5. Community and Culture
X has become a hub for:
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Real-time news
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Crypto and tech conversations
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Controversial and political debates
But it has also seen a decline in civil discourse, with trolls and misinformation often dominating the feed.
Threads is more centered around:
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Lifestyle
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Culture
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Creative expression
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Wellness and entertainment topics
Threads has been seen as less toxic and more welcoming to casual users and brands.
Winner: Depends on preference, but for healthier communities: Threads
6. Innovation and Features in 2025
X (Twitter):
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Integrated payments via X Wallet
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AI-powered Smart Search
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X Video (long-form video for creators)
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X Call – encrypted voice/video calls
Threads:
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Threads Notes – a Substack-like feature for long-form writing
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Integration with Meta AI
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Cross-platform post sharing with Facebook and Instagram
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Threads Spaces – currently testing audio rooms
Both platforms are innovating quickly, but X has diversified more boldly into finance, video, and calling.
Winner: X
7. Advertising and Business Reach
Meta has long dominated the digital ad space, and Threads is no exception. It benefits from:
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Meta Ads Manager integration
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Advanced targeting
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Clean brand-safe environment
X has struggled to retain advertisers due to concerns around brand safety, user behavior, and transparency.
Winner: Threads
Who’s Winning the Battle in 2025?
Let’s tally it up:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| User Base | X |
| Design & UX | Threads |
| Safety & Moderation | Threads |
| Creator Monetization | X |
| Community Culture | Threads |
| Innovation | X |
| Advertising | Threads |
Final Verdict:
While X still leads in size and innovation, Threads is gaining ground fast with better safety, design, and community vibes. Meta’s backing ensures it evolves strategically, while X continues to take bold, often risky steps under Musk.
In 2025, the winner depends on what matters most to users:
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Prefer freedom, raw news, and monetization? → X
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Prefer safety, design, and community? → Threads
What to Expect Next
The microblogging war is far from over. As Meta invests more in Threads and X pushes toward becoming an “everything app,” users will ultimately shape the winner.
The real winner? Those who adapt fast, listen to users, and innovate responsibly.
Stay tuned as the battle between Threads and X reshapes the future of online conversation.
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