Threads Hits 500 Million Users as Meta Pushes Toward 1 Billion
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 5
Threads Hits 500 Million Users as Meta Pushes Toward 1 Billion
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 5
Summary
500 million users put Threads on par with Elon Musk’s X, marking a major milestone for Meta’s text-based social network less than four years after launch.
Meta kept the app growing by steering it away from hard-news dependence and toward conversation-driven communities, while adding features such as dedicated community sections, creator badges and customizable algorithms.
Threads now functions increasingly like a mix of X and Reddit, with users clustering around topics including K-pop, the W.N.B.A., dating, books and TV rather than a single news-heavy feed.
1 billion users is Meta’s next target; reaching it would make Threads larger than Snapchat, which reported 956 million users in financial filings.
As Threads hits 500 million users, can it become Meta's next billion-dollar success or just an extension of Instagram?
By sidelining news and politics, is Threads building a healthier public square or just a more pleasant echo chamber?
Threads Hits 500 Million Users: Personalization, Community, and Monetization in Meta’s Fastest-Growing Platform
Overview
Threads has rapidly grown to 500 million monthly active users, driven by continuous innovation and a focus on user experience. In June 2026, Threads introduced the 'Your Algo' feature, giving users private control over the topics and conversations in their feed, with flexible options for how long these preferences last. All feedback is managed in a unified hub, making personalization simple and effective. Alongside this, the launch of the Discovery Hub helps users easily find and connect with relevant communities. These updates highlight Threads’ commitment to empowering users and strengthening community engagement as it scales.