It is essential to address the misleading claims circulating about X, particularly in relation to its success in comparison to other social media platforms. Elon Musk and his supporters have been amplifying reports that X is surpassing Meta’s apps in usage and is labeled as “the number one news app“. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that the framing of these claims is questionable.
One of the key discrepancies lies in the data provided by SimilarWeb, which measures web traffic to gauge the performance of different sites. The figures presented only reflect visits to x.com via a web browser and do not encompass app usage. Considering that a significant majority of X users log in via mobile devices, the reported 250 million daily active users are largely excluded from this web traffic analysis.
X’s App Usage vs. Facebook and Instagram
When comparing X’s usage to that of Facebook and Instagram, it becomes clear that X is nowhere near the level of daily active users on these platforms. Facebook boasts over 2 billion daily active users, while Instagram has close to a billion. Thus, the data provided by SimilarWeb only represents a fraction of each app’s overall usage, making direct comparisons misleading.
Despite being listed as the top “News” app on the App Store charts, X is fundamentally a social media platform rather than a news app. The categorization shift to “News” back in 2016 was a strategic move to boost growth and visibility, aligning with the app’s emphasis on news content. This categorization has created a misleading perception of X’s standing in the news app category.
Stagnant User Growth
X’s reported stagnation in daily active users since November 2022 raises concerns about its overall user engagement and interest. While there has been a slight increase in monthly active users, the addition of 70 million new users in 17 months does not indicate significant growth. Moreover, X’s revenue decline and fluctuating user engagement metrics further underscore the challenges the platform is facing.
Elon Musk’s emphasis on certain metrics like “daily user seconds” as a measure of engagement may present a distorted view of X’s actual performance. The reliance on selective data and misleading comparisons to other platforms contribute to a skewed interpretation of X’s success. It is crucial to evaluate the metrics comprehensively and transparently to avoid inaccurate portrayals.
In light of the evidence presented, it is evident that X is not experiencing exponential growth or success as portrayed by Elon Musk and his supporters. The platform’s stagnant user growth, revenue decline, and fluctuating engagement metrics indicate a challenging landscape for X. As consumers and stakeholders, it is imperative to scrutinize the narratives being propagated and seek the truth behind the data presented.
The narrative surrounding X’s success and growth must be critically evaluated to discern the reality of its status in the social media landscape. By delving deeper into the data, categorizations, and user metrics, a clearer picture emerges, revealing the challenges and limitations faced by X. It is essential to approach these claims with a discerning eye and a commitment to uncovering the truth behind the numbers.