If you’ve been wondering why so many people seem to be talking about Threads, Instagram’s answer to Twitter, you’re not alone. Launched in 2023, Threads quickly became one of the fastest-growing apps in history, gaining over 100 million sign-ups in just five days. But what caused people to leave Twitter (now called X) and give Threads a shot? And more importantly, what does this shift mean for small business owners? Let’s break it down.
Why Users Left Twitter (X)
For years, Twitter was the go-to place for breaking news, conversation, and cultural moments. But in the last couple of years, many users started to feel worn down. Here are the biggest reasons:
Uncertainty under new leadership: With Elon Musk at the helm, Twitter experienced sudden rule changes, increased paywalls, and shifting algorithms that left users feeling frustrated and unstable.
Toxic culture concerns: People noticed an increase in harassment, misinformation, and unchecked content. Some no longer felt safe or welcome on the platform.
Ad overload: Twitter became cluttered with promoted content, which made the user experience feel more commercial than conversational.
All of this created the perfect opening for a fresh alternative.
Why Threads Took Off
So why did Threads catch on so quickly? A few key reasons:
Seamless Instagram integration: If you already had an Instagram account, joining Threads was just a couple of taps away. Even better, you could instantly connect with the same people you already followed.
A breath of fresh air: At launch, Threads was ad-free, clean, and simple, making it feel refreshing compared to Twitter’s busy interface.
Stronger moderation: Threads carried over Instagram’s community guidelines, which made it feel like a friendlier, safer place to share thoughts.
Curiosity + timing: With Twitter in chaos, users were ready to try something new, and Threads felt familiar without being overwhelming.
The Catch: Not Everyone Stayed
While Threads had an explosive start, not everyone stuck around. Some users missed the real-time energy of Twitter. Others felt that Threads lacked important features like hashtags, trending topics, or a strong search tool. Daily usage dropped after the initial buzz, which shows the app is still finding its identity.
What This Means for Your Business
As a small business owner, you might be asking: “Should I be on Threads?” Here’s my advice:
Watch the platform’s growth: Threads is still evolving, but it’s smart to claim your spot early in case it becomes a stronger player in the social space.
Think community, not ads: Right now, Threads is about conversations and connection. If you join, focus on sharing quick insights, joining discussions, and building relationships.
Follow your audience: If your customers are active on Instagram, chances are they’ll be curious about Threads too.
FINAL TAKEAWAY
The mass migration from Twitter to Threads shows us something important: people want simplicity, safety, and connection in their social media spaces. As a business, leaning into these values, whether on Threads, Instagram, or elsewhere, will always put you ahead.
Have you tried Threads yet? What do you think, fresh start or just another platform?
Want to know if Threads—or any platform—is the right move for your business? At Take Flight, we help small business owners cut through the noise and focus on strategies that actually work.
Let’s chat about how to make the most of your time online. Schedule a free consultation today and start building connections that count.