Instagram Now Has More Than Double Twitter's Monthly Active Users

"A lot has changed this year, but the Instagram community and the diversity of expression it provides has remained consistent," Instagram stated in its blog. "And you now have more ways to share than ever before with Instagram Stories, live video and disappearing photos and videos in Direct. Additionally, with updated safety tools that give you more control over comments and other parts of your experience, we're working to make Instagram safer than ever for connection and self-expression."

Instagram Versus Other Social Media Properties

Facebook's core property remains the clear leader among U.S.-based social media empires. As of the end of September, Facebook's core social media empire boasted the following stats:

• 1.18 billion daily active users.
• 1.09 billion mobile daily active users.
• 1.79 billion monthly active users.
• 1.66 billion mobile monthly active users.

Few investors expect Instagram's user base to match those of Facebook's core property. However, expectations remain high that Instagram's user base compares favorably to Twitter Inc TWTR.

When Twitter reported its third-quarter results the company offered the following user metrics:

• Total monthly active users grew to 317 million from 313 million in the prior quarter.
• Daily active users grew 7 percent year-over-year, marking an acceleration from 5 percent in the prior quarter.

At last check, Twitter shares were down 0.5 percent at $18.84. Facebook shares were up 0.34 percent at $120.62.