Twitter (X) Statistics: How Many People Use X?

Published:
February 20, 2026
Last Updated:
February 23, 2026
Michele Klawitter Written By:
Michele Klawitter
Raghav Tayal Reviewed By:
Raghav Tayal

X, formerly Twitter, has remained a cornerstone of social media even after its rebrand following Elon Musk’s acquisition in 2022. It is widely regarded as an important social media platform for delivering real-time news, political discourse, cultural updates, and brand engagement.

Businesses, creators, political leaders, and internet users rely on X for everything from following trends to posting content and building community.

As of 2026, the platform continues to evolve, with shifts in user demographics, engagement rates, and monetization strategies. In this post, we will explore Twitter statistics, including monthly and daily active users, as well as detailed demographic breakdowns from multiple sources.

Twitter (X) Statistics 2026 (Top Picks)

Understanding Twitter’s user base and usage is critical for marketers, businesses, and anyone interested in the social media ecosystem. Recent data highlights the following:

  • Total users globally: 557 million monthly active users (MAUs) (Hootsuite, 2025)
  • Daily active users (DAU): 245–251 million, representing 44% of MAUs (GrabOn, 2025)
  • Monetizable daily active users (mDAU): 237.8 million, which includes users who can see ads and sponsored content (DemandSage, 2022)
  • Revenue dependency on advertising: 68% of X’s total revenue came from Twitter ads, which reveals the platform’s monetization focus (Business of Apps, 2024)
  • Device preference: Slightly more iPhone fans than Android users are active on the platform (Statista, 2025)

These numbers confirm that X remains an influential social network that drives engagement, information sharing, and advertising opportunities worldwide.

Twitter (X) Usage Statistics

It is important to understand the usage statistics for those interested in social media trends, advertising, or audience engagement. Recent figures highlight several notable developments.

  • The average time spent per user per day is 34.1 minutes, indicating strong engagement among both casual and professional users (GrabOn, 2025). Users spend more time on platforms such as LinkedIn or Snapchat, though less than on TikTok, which averages about 52 minutes per day.
  • More than 500 million tweets are posted each day globally, demonstrating the platform’s high level of activity, whether for personal expression or brand promotion. (Cross River Therapy, 2025)

X (formerly Twitter) serves as a primary platform for breaking news, political discourse, and trending topics. Businesses and marketers seeking to engage audiences interested in social and political issues should consider the platform as part of their strategy.

Twitter’s user base spans a wide range of age groups, genders, and countries. For professionals in marketing, content creation, and analytics, understanding these demographics is valuable for shaping effective strategies.

Twitter (X) User & Twitter Demographics Statistics

X’s user base is diverse, spanning multiple age groups, genders, and countries. These statistics are essential for marketers, content creators, and analysts looking to tailor strategies.

Twitter (X) Monthly Active Users

MAUs indicate how many users access the platform within a given month. Even if users do not log in daily, they remain reachable for brands seeking to market products and share messages. Below are the Twitter statistics on MAUs globally and by region:

The United States and Japan represent the largest markets, while India and the UK are smaller but developing markets (Datareportal). MAUs are important for brands because they support planning marketing campaigns aimed at a global audience.

Note: The Twitter stats above are derived from X’s advertising audience data and may not fully reflect the platform’s total monthly active user base.

Twitter (X) Daily Active Users

Monetizable DAUs are particularly important for advertisers because they reveal the intensity of user engagement. A strong DAU-to-MAU ratio reflects solid engagement relative to the total user base.

Twitter (X) User Growth

The Twitter stats below show year‑by‑year Monthly Active Users (MAUs) based on data reporting by analytics firms and industry reports. Below is taken from Socialplug.io:

Monthly Active Users Growth (2019–2025)
Year Monthly Active Users (millions) Notes
2019 ~330 Pre-Musk era steady growth
2020 ~353 Continued growth
2021 ~396 Growth before acquisition
2022 ~401 Slight increase pre-takeover
2023 ~541 Sharp increase per analytics estimates
2024 ~600 Continued growth (some estimates)
2025 ~611 Latest annual estimate

Key takeaways from the above Twitter statistics:

  • In the years leading up to the acquisition, including 2019 and 2021, Twitter had a user base of hundreds of millions. It was growing steadily each year. The data show that monthly active users, daily active users, and monetizable daily active users were all increasing, indicating the platform’s value to politicians, businesses, and brands seeking to communicate their messages.
  • From 2022 through 2025, estimates indicate that Twitter, now called X, experienced significant growth in MAUs. Reports suggest that approximately 541 to 611 million users will use it by 2025, positioning it among the most widely used social media platforms globally. The increase reflects greater time spent on the platform, higher tweet volumes, more profile visits, and increased engagement, particularly among younger users and Generation Z. In addition, many brands expanded their use of Twitter advertising and video content to drive clicks and extend reach.

Who Are The Twitter Users?

X attracts a digitally savvy, news-oriented audience, including:

  • Political leaders and journalists
  • Brands and marketers
  • Younger users, particularly the 18–34 age group
  • Pop culture enthusiasts and influencers

The platform’s user behavior is heavily content-driven, with frequent engagement through tweets, retweets, replies, and threads.

Twitter (X) Users Broken Down By Gender

User Gender Distribution
Gender Percentage of Users
Male 63%
Female 37%

The table above shows that the male-skewed distribution is slightly more pronounced than on platforms like Instagram, which have a more balanced gender ratio. (Data collected from Statista)

Twitter (X) Users Broken Down By Age

Global Age Distribution of Users
Age Group Global % of Users
18–29 33%
30–49 25%
50–64 16%
65+ 10%

The largest age group (18-29) represents X’s core demographic, ideal for brands and marketers targeting early professionals and millennials. (Data collected from Statista)

Twitter (X) Users Broken down By Country

The Twitter statistics below show a direct count of users with Twitter accounts in each country. Based on the data, the US & Japan together account for a significant share of the platform’s user base, indicating that daily and monthly active users engage with news, politics, and brand content. (Data below is collected from World Population Review)

Top Countries by Twitter (X) Users
Rank Country Twitter (X) Users (Millions)
1 United States 105.1
2 Japan 74.5
3 Indonesia 23.6
4 Poland 23.3
5 India 23.1

How Popular Is Twitter (X)?

Twitter, rebranded as X after Elon Musk bought Twitter in 2022, is one of the top social media platforms globally. According to Twitter statistics, the platform had about 103.9 million users in the United States as of early 2025, indicating widespread use in the country, followed by Japan and India. Both have 70+ million and 25+ million users, respectively, which clearly shows X’s user base across different regions.

In The World

Globally, as of 2025, X had around 611 million monthly active users (MAUs). That places it among the top social networks worldwide, even though it still trails much larger platforms like Facebook and Instagram in overall scale.

Data also shows that the average user spends around 34 minutes per day on the platform. Their main reason for doing this is to stay up to date on the latest happenings and events shared on Twitter. The gender demographics indicate a male-skewed distribution. However, 1/3 of users are female, showing the platform’s broad appeal across age groups, including younger and Gen Z users.

In The US

X exhibits its greatest strength in the United States among iPhone users who also use the Android application.

  • The US market shows strong user engagement with both iPhone and Android devices, but iPhone users make up the larger share of daily users. Twitter statistics show that American users account for a significant share of tweet activity, profile interactions, and content consumption, establishing the US as a key market for Twitter advertising and business marketing efforts.
  • Twitter users mostly consist of political leaders, business owners, content creators, and brands that use the platform to connect with their intended audiences. Users on X demonstrate brand loyalty through video ads while engaging in conversations about popular culture, current events, and entertaining media.

Based on Twitter usage patterns, people use it as a social network for real‑time information. That’s because Twitter users can get news that spreads quickly through tweets.

Why Do People Use Twitter (X)?

People use X primarily to stay informed in real time. This is what Elon Musk says about the intellectual and communicative power of Twitter (X). X:

“It tends to be readers, you know, people that read words,” he says. “Where the X network is strongest is among people who think a lot and read a lot… among readers, writers, and thinkers, I think X is number one in the world.” (Fortune India)

The platform allows users to follow political leaders, pop singers, and brands; access current events; and interact with trending topics.

Younger and Gen Z users enjoy the platform for entertaining content, while business owners and many marketers use X to post content, track average engagement rates, and generate advertising revenue.

Other reasons include:

  • Social networking: connecting with friends, followers, and other users.
  • Content strategy: sharing posts, videos, and tweets to increase profile visits.
  • Professional use: promoting brands, services, or business content to the target audience.

What Are The Most Popular Twitter (X) Accounts?

Some of the most followed active users on X include political leaders, celebrities, and pop culture icons. These accounts drive high tweet volume and engagement rate. Hence, these accounts are often taken as essential reference points for marketers and brands. Even the data show that these accounts with the most followers often use premium subscribers, video ads, and entertaining content to maintain visibility.

Examples include:

  • Elon Musk – uses his personal and business accounts for platform announcements.
  • Barack Obama engages with political and social discourse.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo—a global football hero who generates massive profile visits and link clicks.
  • Katy Perry – combines pop songs and entertaining content to retain younger users.

How Much Is Twitter Worth?

Determining the worth of Twitter is challenging. It is now a private company since Elon Musk acquired it for $44 billion in 2022. As of 2025, estimates vary. At one point, the platform was valued at approximately $9.4 billion before recovering, and later reports suggested it might be close to $33 billion or even return to the original $44 billion valuation, including debt.

Twitter (X) Valuation Growth

When Musk acquired Twitter, it was valued at $44 billion, one of the largest social media acquisitions to date. Since then, its valuation has fluctuated:

  • Immediately after the acquisition, the company’s valuation declined. By late 2023, X’s value had fallen to approximately $5.3 billion, a significant decrease from the original purchase price.
  • Subsequently, internal estimates emerged. By October 2024, some investment firms suggested it could be worth as little as $9.4 billion. This number reflected a pullback in advertising spending following changes implemented under Musk’s leadership.
  • In March 2025, investor transactions and equity fundraising pushed X’s value back toward $44 billion, roughly the same as the original purchase price, indicating a rebound in confidence among backers and a potential for long‑term monetization.

As you can see, the shift reflects changes in Twitter’s revenue model. In fact, it also reflects investor sentiment following the reforms brought about by Musk. This shift also includes changes to moderation, monetization, and content moderation strategies. The rebound in 2025 was driven by renewed investor interest in the platform’s user base. However, the public valuation figures for 2026 remain limited due to X’s private status. However, based on the funding rounds and deals, we can clearly say that the platform holds substantial strategic value.

Twitter (X) Revenue Growth

Regarding revenue, performance shifted after Twitter’s acquisition by Musk. Prior to the acquisition, Twitter generated over $5 billion in annual revenue, primarily from advertising. Following the acquisition, revenue declined as several major advertisers reduced or paused spending on Twitter advertisements.

Recent industry reports project that the X/xAI merger will generate approximately $2 billion in the U.S., with a decrease in ad revenue.

At the same time, broader industry reports show that brands and small businesses are becoming more cautious about their Twitter ad budgets. X is currently working to rebuild its advertising model. The company currently needs to find new revenue sources because its total revenue has not yet reached pre-acquisition levels. The company is developing its advertising and subscription model, so only time will tell how it unfolds.

How Many Employees Does Twitter (X) Have?

As of now, Twitter has around 2,840 employees, showing a rebound after major layoffs following Elon Musk’s acquisition, although it’s far fewer than pre-Musk levels.

The headcount dropped drastically in 2022, when around 80% of staff were let go, but hiring in subsequent years brought the total back up by almost 20% compared to 2023.

Average salaries are reported to be around $122,000 plus bonuses. These figures reflect current staffing trends but may vary slightly depending on reporting sources.

Twitter (X) Platform Statistics

In 2026, X remains popular worldwide, with independent estimates placing its monthly active user base at approximately 560 to 570 million. However, sources report varying numbers because X has stopped providing official user data.

  • Daily patterns show that 68% of users check X multiple times per day, and the average user spends 29–34 minutes browsing content online.
  • Almost 90 percent of activities occur on mobile devices, which means X functions as a real-time platform for accessing necessary information.
  • The platform sees hundreds of millions of posts and impressions each day, indicating that users continue to actively interact with its content.

Twitter (X) Ad & Marketing Statistics

According to Statista, many advertisers became wary following Elon Musk’s takeover. Big agencies like IPG even suggested that clients hold off on spending money on X because of worries about platform direction and leadership changes.

  • Concerns regarding brand safety were raised by planned cuts to content moderation. Advertisers were concerned that their ads might appear alongside contentious content and harm their brands.
  • X generated $4.7 billion in global ad revenue in 2022, but it was unclear whether it could maintain those figures in subsequent years due to restructuring and advertiser pullbacks.
  • X is primarily a news and discussion platform, unlike Instagram or YouTube. More than 60% of marketers preferred other platforms, while less than 25% intended to increase spending on X.X, which finds it difficult to compete with Facebook’s scale dominance and Instagram’s leadership in influencer marketing.

Twitter (X) Business Statistics

Since Elon Musk bought Twitter, the platform has operated at a substantially lower revenue level. In 2021, its final full fiscal year as a publicly traded company, Twitter reported $5 billion in revenue (investing.com). Industry reports estimated that global advertising revenue in 2022 was between $4.5 and $4.7 billion.

Revenue drastically decreased after Elon Musk acquired it. According to several 2023 reports, revenue decreased by about 40–50% from the previous year, indicating that total revenue likely fell between $2.5 and $3 billion (Economic Times). According to industry estimates, the slowdown in advertising peaked in 2024.

Forecasts indicate stabilization rather than a complete recovery for 2026. Analysts anticipate a steady diversification of revenue sources from premium subscriptions, data licensing, advertising, and AI integrations.

How to Turn Twitter (X) Stats Into a Smarter Strategy

Knowing Twitter (X) statistics involves more than just tracking figures; it also entails using them wisely.

  • Aligning strategy with platform behavior is crucial for both creators and businesses. Success depends on interaction and consistency because engagement rates are lower than on visual platforms. Visibility can be greatly increased by posting timely content on popular topics, responding to comments, and participating in discussions.
  • Additionally, X’s strengths, such as newsjacking, customer service, thought leadership threads, and short-form video, should be leveraged by brands. Content should be optimized for quick reading and immediate impact, given the prevalence of mobile use.
  • Lastly, diversification is essential. Businesses should combine paid advertisements, organic content, and premium features to increase reach and lessen reliance on a single source of income as advertising continues to recover.

Final Thoughts

X (formerly Twitter) is still one of the most popular social media platforms in 2026. It may not be the biggest platform, but it is one of the fastest for sharing news, opinions, and trends. People use it to stay up to date and join conversations in real time.

The platform has changed a lot since 2022, especially in how it makes money and works with advertisers. Even with these changes, millions of users remain active every day.

For businesses and creators, success on X comes from posting timely content, joining conversations, and engaging directly with followers. When used wisely, it can still deliver strong results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Average Engagement Rate On Twitter (X)?

The average Twitter engagement rate remains lower than all other social media platforms. Most posts get around 0.04% to 0.15% engagement, meaning only a tiny fraction of followers interact with a tweet through likes, replies, or shares.

Is Twitter (x) Still Good for Business Marketing in 2026?

Yes. X is still used by many businesses to reach audiences, especially for real‑time updates, brand visibility, customer interaction, and ads. The platform needs a specific plan and consistent updates, as it shows lower user engagement than other platforms.

What Kind of Content Performs Best on Twitter (X)?

Short posts (280 characters or fewer) that present information clearly through images, short videos, polls, and text make effective content. Visual content and interactive posts usually get more likes and replies.

Does Twitter (X) Support Long-form Content Now?

Yes, Twitter allows users to create long-form content, but this feature is available only to premium subscribers. Subscribers can create posts up to 25,000 characters long and articles for longer-form content.
Michele Klawitter

Michele Klawitter is a ghostwriter, health advocate, former real estate agent, Paso Fino horse enthusiast, and professional thriver. For over five years, she’s been writing SEO content both humans and search engines love. She knows what it’s like to need real answers, not just optimized fluff.

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