Threads, Meta's alternative to X (formerly Twitter), has reached 175 million monthly users a year after its unexpected launch. Meta CEO and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced the milestone on Wednesday, celebrating the platform's rapid growth since its release on July 5 last year. Threads, a spin-off of Instagram, was introduced as a rival to X after Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter led to user and advertiser dissatisfaction. The app was quickly released following Musk's threat to limit non-subscriber posts on X, a move Zuckerberg seized upon. Promoted through Instagram, Threads saw over 100 million downloads within its first week, setting a record as the fastest-downloaded app, surpassing ChatGPT.

Despite initial enthusiasm tapering off, Threads has continued to grow, aided by Instagram integration and users migrating from Musk-owned X. Threads chief Adam Mosseri aims for the platform to eventually become more independent from Instagram and plans to open it to advertisers soon. While Threads has received criticism for downplaying news and politics in favor of a friendlier atmosphere, it has yet to establish a unique identity, which remains a challenge for its long-term success. Meanwhile, X, under Musk's ownership, claims continued growth and engagement, particularly in sports and political discussions, as major events like the Olympics and US presidential election approach.