Twitter is already losing its most active users, internal docs show

Twitter is a graveyard of active users.
twitter logo on iphone screen


The Daily Navigator strives to help you make the best personal finance decisions. While we produce content according with strict editorial integrity this post may contain references to partner products. Here’s a full explanation for how our team makes money.

Is it just me or has Twitter been a little dead since the pandemic? Personally, I know I’ve broken the hearts of my 500 followers over my decision to ditch tweeting in favor of simply retweeting hot takes I wish I wrote. Turns out I might not be alone there.

Internal documents seen by Reuters confirmed that Twitter is struggling to retain “heavy users” who generate 90 percent of tweets and half of the global revenue but account for less than 10 percent of all monthly users.

A Twitter internal document titled “Where did the Tweeters Go?” warns that heavy users are in “absolute decline” since the COVID-19 pandemic. The document suggests that advertisers may lose interest in the platform because NSFW content is on the rise alongside cryptocurrency spam in Twitter’s most active English-speaking markets. 

This report comes just ahead of Elon Musk’s Friday deadline to close his $44 billion deal to buy Twitter, a deal he fought in court but proceeded with after relevant text messages were shared as part of the trial.

No specific conclusions were drawn as to why heavy users are declining, but rival platforms like Instagram and TikTok may have something to do with it.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. This post contains references to products from one or more of our partners and we may receive compensation when you click on links to those products.

Stay in the know

Get expert insight into credit cards, loyalty programs, financial tips, and more delivered right to your inbox.

Related Stories

Smart Points Logo

Stay in the know with
Smart Points Newsletter

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Advertiser Disclosure

This article contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The relationship may impact how an offer is being presented. Our site doesn’t include all the offers available. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

DFC Partner Perks App Link Image
Special Discounts for Our Members

Save Big with Perks

Get $5,000+ in immediate travel savings with Perks. Unlock next level travel benefits, for life. Get discounts from the world’s best travel brands you won’t find anywhere else. No credit required.

DFC Concierge App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

93% off lifetime access

Save $1,200 and 10 hours of your time on every vacation. With Lifetime access to DFC Concierge, get fully customized trip itineraries to make every vacation unforgettable.

Dollar Flight Club App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

50% Off PREMIUM

You can save up to $500 on your next adventure without lifting a finger get email alerts when we find flights up to 90% off leaving your home airport. Just let us know your departure airport and we’ll do the rest.

The Daily Navigator Commitment

The Daily Navigator is an integral part of the larger DFC Media family. Through each of our brands, we’re dedicated to helping our readers travel, spend, and live smarter.

With products dedicated to affordable travel, educational content, and personal finance, we deliver the day’s essential content with none of the filler — all in a way that’s fast, easy, and fun to read. Every day million of audience members trust us to deliver educational content so that they can make informed decisions faster. We hope you’ll join them.

We’re happy to have you here!