The social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, appears to be holding its footing in the United States, keeping a fairly steady user base even as new competitors enter the picture. According to the latest survey from the Pew Research Center, about 21 percent of American adults say they use the platform. That number reflects only a slight dip from the 22 percent seen in early 2023, just after Elon Musk acquired the platform, and it’s almost in line with the 23 percent usage rate reported in 2021 before the rebranding. It’s a small shift, perhaps barely noticeable to most people, yet it says something about user habits lingering longer than expected.
This steady audience is interesting, I think, because the social media world changes so quickly. New platforms pop up all the time, each one hoping to become the next go-to place for quick posts or public conversations.
Key Takeaways
- X’s usage rate among U.S. adults is 21 percent, showing only minimal change from 2023 at 22 percent and 2021 at 23 percent.
• The platform remains the clear leader in the text-focused, real-time update space, far ahead of newer rivals like Threads at 8 percent and Bluesky at 4 percent.
• YouTube at 84 percent and Facebook at 71 percent are still the most widely used social platforms in the U.S., with Instagram following at 50 percent.
• X continues to have a strong link to news consumption, as 57 percent of its users regularly get news on the platform.
• The platform has seen a noticeable drop in users aged 18 to 29, suggesting a demographic challenge that could grow over time.
X Outperforms Newer Competitors
Since the change in ownership in October 2022 and the later rebranding to X, the platform has gone through various policy and content adjustments. These shifts encouraged some users and public figures to try other platforms. This is where newer services such as Threads, launched by Meta, and Bluesky, which leans on a decentralized approach, attempted to step in.
But the Pew data suggests that X remains the main destination for Americans who want real-time, short-form updates. Based on a survey of more than 5,000 U.S. adults, Threads reaches just 8 percent of adults, while Bluesky reaches 4 percent. Truth Social is even smaller, at 3 percent. These numbers show that Meta’s attempt to build a dominant text-based platform has not yet pulled away X’s core users. People seem to stick with what they know, even if alternatives promise something fresher or more polished.
Platform Usage and Demographics
While X holds its place within its specific niche, it is not among the most widely used social platforms overall. Video-heavy sites and broad social networks continue to dominate. YouTube leads by a wide margin, with 84 percent of U.S. adults saying they use it, followed by Facebook at 71 percent. Instagram is next at 50 percent, comfortably ahead of the text-based competitors.
TikTok’s growth has been steady, moving up to 37 percent of adults from 21 percent in 2021, which feels like a rapid shift when you think about how recently it entered the mainstream. WhatsApp also saw an increase, now at 32 percent usage among adults.
One area where X is facing a clear challenge is its younger user base. Pew’s findings point to a drop in the number of users aged 18 to 29, a group that often shapes the long-term direction of social media trends. At the same time, X remains a major venue for political conversation and breaking news. Around 57 percent of X users say they regularly get news on the platform, a higher share than what Pew found on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. That suggests the platform still offers something distinct, particularly for people who follow current events closely.
The relatively stable user numbers suggest that despite turbulence, controversy, and the rise of new rivals, X continues to serve a purpose for many Americans. Whether it’s habit, convenience, or the immediacy of real-time updates, the platform holds onto a community that seems to value what it provides, even if alternatives keep arriving with promises of something new.
Related FAQs
Q. What is the Pew Research Center’s main finding about X (formerly Twitter) usage in the US?
The Pew Research Center found that the percentage of American adults who use X has remained relatively stable at 21% in the latest survey, showing it has maintained its user base despite the emergence of new, well-funded rival platforms like Threads.
Q. How does X’s user base compare to newer platforms like Threads and Bluesky?
X’s user base is significantly larger than its newer direct competitors. According to the report, 21% of U.S. adults use X, compared to only 8% for Meta’s Threads and 4% for Bluesky.
Q. Which social media platforms are most popular in the United States?
The most popular social media platforms in the U.S. are YouTube (84% adult usage) and Facebook (71% adult usage), followed by Instagram (50% adult usage).
Q. Is X still a major platform for news consumption in the US?
Q. Yes, X remains a major platform for news consumption. The survey indicates that 57% of its current users regularly get news on the site, suggesting it still holds a vital role as a source for up-to-the-minute information and political discussion.
