5 days: Meta's Threads is the FASTEST in history to reach 100 million users

5 days: Meta's Threads is the FASTEST in history to reach 100 million users

Equities 3 minutes to read
Ken Shih v2
Ken Shih

Saxo’s Head of Wealth Management Greater China

Summary:  Meta's Threads used just 5 days to reach 100 million users. What makes its adoption so fast and is it a “Twitter killer”? The reason Threads is so unique is that it’s riding on the back of 2 billion Instagram users. But it cannot be a killer to Twitter since the two are different in their offerings.


10_Threads is fastest in history to 100 million users
Source: World Of Statistics & Meta

Just in February 2023 ChatGPT became the fastest in history in reaching 100 million users. And now Meta's Threads is the fastest in history to reach 100 million users using only 5 days. What a difference 5 months make. Two insights:

1️. What makes Threads adoption so fast?

Threads is Meta’s Instagram branded rival to Twitter. It is a text-based microblogging site launched last Wednesday (July 6th). So why did its adoption SKYROCKET to 100 million users in 5 short days?
It is riding on the back of 2 BILLION Instagram users. What is unique about Threads is its tie up to Instagram. The other Twitter alternatives (like Mastodon or Bluesky) meant that new users would need to start building up their followers FROM ZERO. Threads circumvents this by allowing new Threads users to immediately 'transfer' your existing Instagram followers. So it is no surprise that it hit 100 million users in 5 short days unlike the inherent challenge of brand new platforms.

There's actually a term for this called "Metcalfe's Law". Metcalfe’s Law states the effect of a network is proportional to the square of the number of connected users of the system. Simply explained this means new businesses or services that can harness the 'network effect' can gain users at unprecedented rates. This is why social media and the internet-based businesses are able to take off so much quicker than say airplanes, the use of electricity or the telephone because there was no network in place beforehand.


2️. Is Threads a "Twitter Killer"?

The short answer is "no". It is not because Twitter at 300 million users can't be DWARFED by the uprising of Threads.
It's because they are unique in their offering.

Key differences between Twitter and Threads:

1)  Privacy concerns with Threads: The European Union (EU) has much stricter data protection laws than the US and Threads is currently banned from the EU which means Threads will unlikely have the immediate global footprint that Twitter does.
2)  Moderation may be a concern: Threads utilises a moderation approach which is more 'big brother' in nature and raises concerns about misinformation or censorship unlike Twitter.
3)  Features still developing: It is less of a concern but currently you can't search content on Threads which makes finding content impossible. Also, it is missing unique features that Twitter has, like social audio called Twitter Spaces (similar to Clubhouse).
What other "Twitter alternatives" like Mastedon or Bluesky has shown is there is room for all to co-exist.

Share this research with just a click of the sharing icon next to the article title, you can also post it directly to LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or even send it via email.
Join our community of traders and investors by sharing valuable insights.

Quarterly Outlook

01 /

  • Upending the global order at blinding speed

    Quarterly Outlook

    Upending the global order at blinding speed

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

    We are witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime shredding of the global order. As the new order takes shape, ...
  • Equity outlook: The high cost of global fragmentation for US portfolios

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equity outlook: The high cost of global fragmentation for US portfolios

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • Asset allocation outlook: From Magnificent 7 to Magnificent 2,645—diversification matters, now more than ever

    Quarterly Outlook

    Asset allocation outlook: From Magnificent 7 to Magnificent 2,645—diversification matters, now more than ever

    Jacob Falkencrone

    Global Head of Investment Strategy

  • Commodity Outlook: Commodities rally despite global uncertainty

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodity Outlook: Commodities rally despite global uncertainty

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

  • Macro outlook: Trump 2.0: Can the US have its cake and eat it, too?

    Quarterly Outlook

    Macro outlook: Trump 2.0: Can the US have its cake and eat it, too?

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

  • Equity Outlook: The ride just got rougher

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equity Outlook: The ride just got rougher

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • China Outlook: The choice between retaliation or de-escalation

    Quarterly Outlook

    China Outlook: The choice between retaliation or de-escalation

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • Commodity Outlook: A bumpy road ahead calls for diversification

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodity Outlook: A bumpy road ahead calls for diversification

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

  • FX outlook: Tariffs drive USD strength, until...?

    Quarterly Outlook

    FX outlook: Tariffs drive USD strength, until...?

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

  • Fixed Income Outlook: Bonds Hit Reset. A New Equilibrium Emerges

    Quarterly Outlook

    Fixed Income Outlook: Bonds Hit Reset. A New Equilibrium Emerges

    Althea Spinozzi

    Head of Fixed Income Strategy

Content disclaimer

None of the information provided on this website constitutes an offer, solicitation, or endorsement to buy or sell any financial instrument, nor is it financial, investment, or trading advice. Saxo Bank A/S and its entities within the Saxo Bank Group provide execution-only services, with all trades and investments based on self-directed decisions. Analysis, research, and educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice nor a recommendation.

Saxo’s content may reflect the personal views of the author, which are subject to change without notice. Mentions of specific financial products are for illustrative purposes only and may serve to clarify financial literacy topics. Content classified as investment research is marketing material and does not meet legal requirements for independent research.

Before making any investment decisions, you should assess your own financial situation, needs, and objectives, and consider seeking independent professional advice. Saxo does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information provided and assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages resulting from the use of this information.

Please refer to our full disclaimer and notification on non-independent investment research for more details.

Saxo Bank A/S (Headquarters)
Philip Heymans Alle 15
2900
Hellerup
Denmark

Contact Saxo

Select region

International
International

All trading and investing comes with risk, including but not limited to the potential to lose your entire invested amount.

Information on our international website (as selected from the globe drop-down) can be accessed worldwide and relates to Saxo Bank A/S as the parent company of the Saxo Bank Group. Any mention of the Saxo Bank Group refers to the overall organisation, including subsidiaries and branches under Saxo Bank A/S. Client agreements are made with the relevant Saxo entity based on your country of residence and are governed by the applicable laws of that entity's jurisdiction.

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.