Despite the increasing competition and controversies surrounding Elon Musk's X app, it seems to be thriving. Musk has been transforming the platform, formerly known as Twitter, into an 'everything app'. As part of its rebranding, all Twitter and bird references are being gradually removed from the platform. Interestingly, the X icon is now visible to some mobile users, indicating a major step in the app's transformation and alignment with its new offerings.
Whether users accept it or not, X is on its way. There have been numerous reports suggesting a decline in interest in the app due to these changes. However, Musk's data contradicts these claims, showing that an increasing number of users are logging in to explore the latest updates. It is important to note that Musk has developed a consistent response to negative news about the app. He often responds to criticisms by showcasing positive usage indicators.
In November, following his takeover of Twitter, Musk was criticized for laying off 80% of the company's staff. Many analysts questioned the impact this would have on user engagement. In response, Musk announced that user numbers had significantly increased globally since the acquisition. Similarly, when Musk warned of potential bankruptcy due to the company's performance, this led to a wave of negative reports. However, Musk's response was to highlight that new user sign-ups had reached an all-time high.
This pattern was repeated recently when Meta's Twitter clone app, Threads, was launched. Despite Threads gaining significant traction with 100 million sign-ups within days of its launch, Musk shared data showing record-high usage figures for his own app. This seems to be a strategy to reassure advertisers that his app is still performing well amidst the significant changes.
However, it's worth noting that the numbers coming from X are being met with skepticism. While Musk continues to share optimistic usage figures, the authenticity of these numbers is being questioned. As the platform continues its rebranding efforts and faces increasing competition from apps like Threads, users and advertisers alike will be watching closely to see whether X can truly thrive in this highly competitive space.