Is Threads the Next Big Social Media Platform? Here’s What I Think

When Threads first launched, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. Another app in an already crowded social media space? Maybe. But something about it felt different right from the start—less noise, more substance. And after spending real time on the app, I’ve come to a pretty clear stance on the question: is Threads the next big social media platform? I think yes—and not just because it’s new, but because it’s actively reshaping how we connect, share, and respond online.

Threads Has a Different Kind of User Energy

It’s hard to explain unless you’ve seen it yourself—but Threads users just feel different. The vibe? Less performative, more insightful. People seem to show up not to stir drama or chase clout, but to genuinely share ideas, ask questions, or comment with perspective.

Compared to X—where it often feels like you’re either yelling into the void or trying to dodge a digital fistfight—Threads feels like a thoughtful group chat that just happens to be public. Sure, you’ll still find trolls here and there, but in my experience, there’s a sharper level of discourse. Think of it like this: post something half-baked and you might not just get roasted, you might get fact-checked with sources and tone-checked with civility.

And that’s what makes the question—is Threads the next big social media platform?—feel less hypothetical and more like a shift we’re already watching happen in real time. It’s like intellectual accountability—and it’s refreshing.

My Accidental Viral Thread

Here’s where it got real for me. I had no intention of “going viral.”

I wasn’t optimizing for attention or trying to make a splash. I just posted a quick observation about a book I loved—a novel that had been turned into a film, only for the story to get overshadowed by all the behind-the-scenes drama surrounding the actors. I mentioned how disappointing it was to see such a great narrative buried under gossip—and almost as an afterthought, I added a hashtag with the book’s title.

Two seconds later, a comment popped up. Then another. Then another.

An hour in, it had spiraled into a full-on discussion with over 500 comments—some agreeing, some challenging, and others diving deep into the adaptation versus source material debate. But here’s the wild part: it was all civil, smart, and surprisingly engaging.

That’s when it clicked: Threads isn’t just a quieter X. It’s where people go to think out loud—and get thoughtful responses back.

Hashtags Matter More Than I Thought

I’ve never been big on hashtags. On Instagram, they always felt like bait. On X, like clutter. But Threads? Turns out, if you want to be part of a conversation, not just shouting next to it, hashtags matter.

That single tag—that book’s title—put my post in front of people who were already interested in that topic. Not followers. Not bots. Real users. And because Threads prioritizes shared interests and conversation depth over follower count or shock value, that one tag was like opening a door.

That moment changed how I use Threads completely.

Substance Over Noise

What makes Threads so promising is what it doesn’t do—at least not yet. There’s no trending tab that incentivizes outrage. No algorithm pushing conflict to the top of your feed. No DMs flooding you with spam. And because of its roots in Instagram’s ecosystem, it filters out a lot of the fake accounts and burner chaos we’ve gotten used to.

Instead, the platform feels designed to reward contribution. Not just commentary. Not just hot takes. But actual thought.

It’s also worth noting: there’s no pressure to have a polished aesthetic here. On Instagram, everything has to be curated. On TikTok, it has to entertain. But on Threads? It just has to mean something to someone.

That alone makes it a platform with real staying power.

Threads Isn’t Perfect—But That’s Why It Still Has a Chance

Let’s be real: Threads has its quirks. It still lacks some basic features people expect—like an easy way to search hashtags, a DM option, and robust analytics for creators. But what it does have is a strong foundation and a direction that feels right.

Meta is clearly playing the long game here. Rather than dumping every feature in at once, Threads is evolving gradually. And for users like me who are here for the substance, not the spectacle, that pace works.

I don’t want Threads to become just another noisy algorithm loop. I want it to stay focused on conversations that don’t make me feel like I need to brace myself every time I open the app.

Threads vs. X: Who’s Winning the Numbers Game?

Let’s talk stats for a second. According to recent data from Business Insider, Threads hit 130 million monthly active users in early 2024. While X still maintains a higher user base at around 250 million, it’s worth noting that Threads accomplished that growth in less than a year—without relying on news trends or political outrage to drive traffic.

Also worth considering: engagement per post on Threads has been reported to be steadier across smaller accounts, compared to X where a few big voices dominate timelines. That’s a huge deal for anyone who actually wants to be heard, not just followed.

In short: Threads may not have overtaken X in size—but it’s already won on vibe. And that’s often what predicts long-term success in social platforms.

Why This Matters for eCommerce and Online Creators

This shift in user behavior—more thoughtful posts, more curated discussions, and less viral chaos—means good news for eCommerce brands. Especially small to mid-size businesses looking at SEO services.

On Threads, you’re not just fighting for screen time. You’re joining real conversations.

If you’re a skincare brand, for example, you can hop into threads about ingredient transparency or routine building. If you sell books or journals, it’s a haven for literary commentary. Unlike other platforms that rely on polished visuals or trending sounds, Threads gives your words weight—and that’s gold for brands that want to connect through authenticity, not just ads.

It’s subtle, but powerful. It feels like old-school internet forums—but with far better UI.

How Brands Can Build Presence on Threads

Here’s the thing—Threads isn’t the place to show up with pre-scheduled posts and nothing else. It’s about presence, not just promotions.

Here’s how brands can show up smartly:

• Comment thoughtfully on relevant Threads. You’re building recognition, not just awareness.
• Find your category’s micro-communities—book lovers, wellness advocates, coffee snobs—and actually participate.
• Share insights, behind-the-scenes processes, or unpopular opinions that are worth responding to.

And yes, use hashtags—just not like you’re trying to game the system. Use the one or two that naturally connect to what you’re saying.

If your Thread is smart enough, it will do the rest.

So… Is Threads the Next Big Social Media Platform?

Honestly? I think it’s already well on its way.

No, it doesn’t have the chaos of X. No, it’s not as performative as Instagram or as addictive as TikTok. But that’s exactly what makes it feel new—not just in branding, but in function.

It’s a space where you can show up, say something real, and watch it spark dialogue. It rewards nuance. It punishes clout-chasing. And it gives the floor to people who’d rather share ideas than just post for shock value.

That’s rare. And that’s why I’m still here, still posting—and paying more attention to my hashtags.