App store data shows Elon Musk’s platform leading real-time news delivery worldwide
San Francisco, November 11: X (formerly Twitter) has officially become the #1 news app in 157 countries, according to new App Store and Google Play data, reaffirming its dominance as the world’s most influential platform for real-time information and breaking news.
The surge comes amid renewed global discussion on the platform’s role in digital journalism, with analysts noting that Elon Musk’s rebranded platform continues to outperform legacy media apps and newer social platforms like Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon.
“No other app delivers breaking news as fast or as globally as X right now,” said Digital Media Research Institute (DMRI) in its latest report on app trends.
The data shows that X has overtaken competitors such as BBC News, CNN, and Google News in download and engagement rankings across key markets including the U.S., India, Brazil, Japan, and the U.K.
🌍 Global Reach & Engagement
#1 news app ranking in 157 countries
Daily active users (DAU) up by 19% year-over-year
Average session time per user: 29 minutes
Top markets: India, the U.S., Indonesia, Brazil, and Nigeria
Experts attribute the growth to X’s shift toward live-event coverage, video content, and citizen journalism, as well as its creator monetization features under Musk’s leadership.
“The combination of verified user content and algorithmic reach has made X both a newsroom and a marketplace of ideas,” said tech analyst Priya Mehta, noting its influence during major global events and elections.
🗞️ Industry Debate Over Credibility
Despite its global ascent, media critics continue to question X’s content moderation policies and algorithmic bias. Several journalism watchdogs have urged the company to ensure transparency as it increasingly replaces traditional news feeds for millions.
Still, advertisers and publishers are returning to the platform as audience engagement metrics outperform rival apps in 2025, particularly for breaking news, politics, and sports coverage.
