Tweet Dreams or Thread Scenes: The X vs Threads Showdown

In the complex landscape of social media, the battle between X (the artist formerly known as Twitter) and Threads (Meta’s contender) has taken centre stage. As brands grapple with finding the key to top-notch engagement, growth, and success, all eyes are on identifying which platform offers the steadfast reliability businesses need.

Let’s explore the intricacies of each and discover the impact each may have on your brand.

X Marked the Spot for Elon

X, formerly known as Twitter, has undergone significant transformations under the leadership of Elon Musk. Elon spent well over $40 Billion to acquire Twitter and began rebranding almost immediately. It’s unclear what his fascination with the letter X is, as evidenced by his other ventures, including Space X, Tesla (Model X) and X.com, which he purchased from his former employer, PayPal, in 2017.

With the Twitter rebrand came X Blue, a subscription service offering exclusive features. Boasting extended character limits, video capabilities, and even bold or italicized text options, X aims to provide a versatile platform for its +500 million users.

X – The Bad

The idea of free expression is, according to Merriam-Webster, “the right to express one’s opinions freely.” Social media platforms provide unique opportunities for free speech, but where do the companies draw the line when it borders on hate speech? For X, many large corporations have thought twice about advertising on the platform for just this reason. The likes of Disney, Apple, Paramount and Lionsgate halted marketing on X due to increased hate speech. Unfortunately, research by USC computer scientists shows that the site also underwent another change after Musk took over — it became more hateful.

Despite facing its fair share of challenges X maintains a robust foundation supported by its established user base and many features.

Threads, Zuckerberg’s Brainchild

Threads, Meta’s response to the evolving social media landscape, was launched in July 2023. Threads earned over 30 million signups in the first 24 hours and has 137 million users to date. “The vision for Threads is to create an option and friendly public space for conversation,” Zuckerberg said in a post on Threads. That statement directly responded to Elon’s take over of Twitter and his “free speech absolutist” stance, which prompted Zuckerberg to create his version of X.

Threads, born from the Instagram ecosystem, offers seamless integration, allowing users to transfer data, followers, and profile information effortlessly. With a concise list of features, Threads emphasizes simplicity, focusing on text posts, videos, images, and website links. The seamless integration and the room for cross-posting allow Instagrammers to use Threads easily.

Threads – The Bad

Despite a surge in initial signups, Threads faces the challenge of retaining user interest. The absence of direct messaging options and a limited search functionality hurt user interest. Additionally, users cannot search for “trending topics” on the platform, negatively impacting their experience. However, if Threads addresses these concerns and meets user needs, it has the potential to become a leading platform in its space.

X vs Threads: Connecting the Dots

Intriguing insights emerge as we compare the two giants, X & Threads.

According to a study by Website Planet, Threads seems to outperform X in brand interactions despite having fewer followers. The analysis, comparing identical posts on both platforms, reveals that Threads receives, on average, eight times more likes than X.

Noteworthy examples include Reuters and Red Bull, where Threads garnered significantly more likes and replies despite having a fraction of the followers.

While X may boast a more extensive feature set and a mature platform, Threads leverages its early success and user interactions to carve a unique niche. The decision between X and Threads for your business hinges on factors like brand goals, target audience, and the nature of your content. The potential for more collaboration across Instagram and Threads makes it an enticing platform. It could add more features, such as cross-posting and stories.

The Decision is Yours

In the grand showdown of X vs Threads, the ultimate decision between X and Threads boils down to reliability for your brand. Which platform provides the dependability you need? Whether it’s the established legacy of X or the promising trajectory of Threads, the choice hinges on the platform that proves its reliability in the ever-changing landscape of social media.

The duel may continue but the victor is determined by the platform businesses can trust to navigate the complexities of the digital age.

If you would like to learn more about how X or Threads can benefit your business, give us a shout!