Renowned US-based YouTuber, MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, has achieved a new feat by becoming the first user to gather one million followers on the newly launched social media app, Threads, developed by Meta. Surprisingly, he outpaced even Mark Zuckerberg, the app developer, in reaching this milestone.
Threads, a text-based social media platform designed to rival Twitter, was launched on July 5. It immediately made waves in the digital world by amassing over 22 million sign-ups shortly after its debut.
MrBeast’s Ascendancy on Threads
Donaldson swiftly cultivated a robust following on Threads, setting a new record for the platform. While other accounts, including brands like Instagram and National Geographic, accumulated followers rapidly, MrBeast’s personal account is the first individual account to reach one million followers.
Using only three posts, MrBeast pulled in a million followers. His profile intriguingly dubs him as the “Future Threads CEO”. His inaugural post on Threads humorously anticipated user addiction to the app: “Soooooo, how long until we’re also addicted to this app? Lol.”
He also appealed to his followers to endorse his post if they believed Mark Zuckerberg should appoint him as the CEO of Threads, adding, “I feel like I’m cheating on Twitter by using this app,” in a light-hearted jest.
Features and Reception of Threads
Promoted as a user-friendly alternative to Twitter, Threads has attracted substantial interest, particularly in light of recent challenges faced by Twitter under Elon Musk’s leadership. Threads, similar to Twitter, enable users to share links, images, videos, and text posts of up to 500 characters, which other users can then like, comment on, or share.
Threads simplify the user experience by allowing individuals to sign up via their Instagram account, import their Instagram bios and profile pictures, and even follow their existing Instagram contacts with a single click.
Read: Twitter Contemplates Legal Action Against Meta Over Threads App
The phenomenal reception of Threads, amassing 22 million users within a few hours of its launch, can be attributed to its integration with the Instagram user base, which comprises a staggering 2 billion active accounts.
MrBeast is known for his unique YouTube video category that involves high-cost challenges and daring stunts. With a substantial following across his social media platforms, including 165 million YouTube subscribers and 38.5 million Instagram followers, MrBeast’s popularity undoubtedly contributed to his rapid ascendancy on Threads.
Moreover, MrBeast holds two additional Guinness World Records – the most subscribed male YouTuber and the highest-earning YouTube contributor, with reported earnings of $54 million in 2021 alone. His success and influence across multiple social media platforms testify to his growing digital empire.