Threads Surpasses X with 141.5M Daily Mobile Users; Meta Pours $70–72B into AI Capex
Meta's Threads app now attracts about 141.5 million daily mobile active users, surpassing X's 125 million, per Similarweb. Meta also forecast 2025 capital spending of $70–72 billion on AI infrastructure, launching its Meta Compute initiative to scale data centers to tens of gigawatts and support Llama and other AI projects.
1. Threads Surpasses X in Daily Mobile Usage
Meta’s Threads app has achieved 141.5 million daily active users on iOS and Android as of January 7, compared with roughly 125 million for Elon Musk’s X, according to Similarweb. Since its launch in 2023, Threads has demonstrated month-over-month growth in mobile engagement, driven by feature integrations with Instagram and Facebook. While X retains higher web traffic—around 150 million daily visits—Threads’ rapid ascent on mobile underscores Meta’s ability to leverage its broader social ecosystem and compete head-to-head with established rivals.
2. UK Gambling Commission Calls Out Illegal Casino Ads on Meta Platforms
The UK Gambling Commission has formally warned Meta Platforms for failing to block advertisements for unlicensed online casinos on Facebook and Instagram. In a statement released Monday, the regulator cited dozens of examples where ads directed UK users to offshore gambling sites, some operating without any age-verification safeguards. The Commission has opened an inquiry into Meta’s ad-review processes and is considering sanctions if the company does not demonstrate full compliance within 60 days.
3. Global Under-16 Social-Media Ban Could Impact Meta and Snap
Following Australia’s decision last month to prohibit under-16s from creating social-media accounts, regulators in Canada and several EU member states are evaluating similar restrictions. Analysts at GlobalData estimate that under-16 users account for 12% of Meta’s overall daily engagement, representing approximately 420 million monthly active accounts across Facebook, Instagram and Threads. Should additional countries enact bans, Meta could see a 5–8% reduction in user time spent, potentially weighing on ad revenue growth in those regions.
4. Meta’s AI Investment Positions It as a Misunderstood Powerhouse
Meta has earmarked $70–72 billion in capital expenditures for 2025, up from earlier guidance, with CFO Susan Li indicating further increases for 2026. These funds support in-house AI chip development, the build-out of new data centers and expansion of Meta’s Llama large language model, now accessible to select enterprise partners. With 3.5 billion daily active users across its apps, Meta aims to use AI-driven virtual assistants and automated ad-creative tools to boost engagement time by 10–15% and lift advertiser ROI, laying the groundwork for diversified revenue streams beyond traditional display ads.