The world of social media never stops evolving, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are at the center of this digital transformation. From the fast-paced lives of Gen Z to the visually driven culture of millennials, the GCC audience is quick to adopt trends and even quicker to drop them. This brings us to the latest question in the region’s digital debate: Snapchat vs Threads in GCC — which platform is truly winning?
In this article, we explore user preferences, platform features, market trends, and future expectations to find out what makes Snapchat and Threads tick in the Gulf region.
Snapchat vs Threads in GCC: A Digital Tug-of-War
Let’s face it—both Snapchat and Threads are built for a generation that thrives on immediacy, creativity, and connection. But which one is capturing more screen time in the GCC?
According to recent surveys and app usage reports, Snapchat continues to dominate in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait, while Threads is slowly gaining traction among digital-savvy professionals and content creators.
But why is there such a difference in their popularity?
The Cultural Fit: Why Snapchat Feels Native
Snapchat made its mark in the GCC much earlier than Threads. With features like:
- Ephemeral Stories
- AR filters (Bitmojis, Lenses, etc.)
- Private Messaging
- Localized Discover Content
…it aligned perfectly with the region’s love for visual communication and privacy.
In places like Saudi Arabia, Snapchat is often seen not just as a social media platform, but as a lifestyle tool. Whether it’s fashion influencers showcasing their daily lives or local brands engaging with youth, Snapchat’s deep cultural relevance gives it a major edge.
According to Snap Inc., Saudi Arabia ranks among the top five markets globally in terms of daily active users. In fact, Snapchat usage here has even outpaced Instagram and TikTok in certain demographics.
Threads: The New Kid With Serious Potential
Launched by Meta as a companion app to Instagram, Threads is more text-oriented, resembling Twitter (now X) in many ways. It’s less about filters and more about opinions, conversations, and building communities through content threads.
While Threads is still relatively new in the region, it’s gaining attention among:
- Journalists and bloggers
- Thought leaders
- Startups and entrepreneurs
- English-speaking youth
One reason for its appeal is its integration with Instagram. Users can carry their followers over and build a new community instantly. Threads also focuses more on meaningful conversations rather than fast content, making it attractive to a slightly more mature or professional audience.
Snapchat vs Threads in GCC: Audience Breakdown
Snapchat Users
- Age Group: 13–29
- Language: Mostly Arabic
- Preferred Content: Lifestyle, beauty, fashion, food
- Usage Time: Peak hours are late evenings and weekends
- Popular in: KSA, UAE, Kuwait
Threads Users
- Age Group: 20–35
- Language: English and Arabic mix
- Preferred Content: News, opinions, startup culture, tech trends
- Usage Time: Throughout the workday
- Popular in: UAE, Bahrain, Qatar
While Snapchat is all about spontaneity and fun, Threads leans toward depth and discussion. The former wins hearts with filters and private snaps, while the latter aims to create a “Twitter alternative” with Meta’s vast resources behind it.
Why Snapchat Still Wins in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia has always had a unique digital culture. With a young population (more than 60% under the age of 30), social media usage is off the charts. But Snapchat’s strength lies in its respect for privacy, modesty, and local culture—critical values in the Kingdom.
For example, many Saudi women use Snapchat because they can control who sees their stories, apply modest filters, and send disappearing messages. Brands like STC, Almarai, and even the Ministry of Health have created campaigns tailored for Snap users, reinforcing its mass appeal.
The Rise of Threads in the UAE
In contrast, the UAE, with its mix of expats and nationals, offers a more diverse digital ecosystem. Threads fits right into this narrative—especially among professionals and English-speaking audiences.
Dubai-based creators and entrepreneurs are increasingly using Threads to:
- Share tech updates
- Post motivational threads
- Discuss trending topics
- Build niche communities
Its clean interface and easy cross-posting with Instagram have made Threads an appealing tool for influencers looking to diversify their content away from reels and stories.
The Content Game: What’s Performing Better?
On Snapchat:
- Fashion and makeup tutorials
- Influencer lifestyle vlogs
- Quick food recipes
- Comedy and pranks
- Regional music clips
On Threads:
- Microblogs and thought leadership
- Breaking news and real-time updates
- Startup growth tips
- Tech news and memes
- Brand announcements
In essence, Snapchat is for entertainment, while Threads is for engagement.
What Do Marketers Prefer?
Most marketers in the GCC still allocate a significant portion of their ad spend to Snapchat because of its massive user base and native ad formats. However, Threads is being watched closely, especially for campaigns targeting professionals and English-speaking users.
Marketing Strengths:
- Snapchat: Rich ad formats, AR filters, regional data
- Threads: Direct connection with niche audiences, thought leadership, brand-building
Both platforms offer value, but they cater to different parts of the customer journey.
Future Predictions: Can Threads Catch Up?
While Snapchat currently dominates, Threads has a few things working in its favor:
- Meta’s ecosystem support
- Integration with Instagram
- Growing interest in text-based content post-Twitter changes
- Desire for ad-free, algorithm-free social media
If Threads continues to localize its features, add Arabic language support, and build more creator-friendly tools, it could slowly close the gap.
That said, Snapchat’s deep cultural integration, entertainment value, and visual-first model make it tough to beat—especially in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Final Verdict: Snapchat or Threads?
So, Snapchat vs Threads in GCC — who wins?
It depends on what you’re looking for:
- If you want to entertain, express, and visually engage — Snapchat is your go-to.
- If you’re aiming to inform, connect, and grow a voice — Threads is worth a shot.
The GCC is big enough for both to thrive, each serving a unique audience with different needs. For now, Snapchat holds the crown, but Threads isn’t too far behind—and the race is getting interesting.
Do follow Gulf Magazine on Instagram
Also read: Work-from-Home Lifestyle in Kuwait: 7 Major Burnout Risks in 2025
