On Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined Truth Social, a social media platform created by former U.S. President Donald Trump. This move has caught global attention, especially after Trump shared a link to a podcast where Modi discussed important topics, including his life, the 2002 Gujarat riots, and India’s relationship with China.
But what does this mean for both Modi and Truth Social? Let’s break it down.
What is Truth Social?
Truth Social is a platform founded by Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). Launched in 2021, it aims to compete with mainstream social media networks like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. The platform allows users to post “truths” (like tweets) and “retruths” (like retweets), as well as send direct messages. Sponsored content is called “sponsored truths.”
Although Trump is a prominent figure on the platform, Truth Social is still much smaller compared to competitors like X. It currently has a much lower user base and limited traffic. As of now, Trump has only 9.28 million followers on Truth Social, far fewer than the 87 million he has on X.
Why Did Modi Join Truth Social?
Modi’s move to Truth Social is seen as a significant shift in his social media strategy. While he already has a large following on X, joining Truth Social might help him reach new audiences, particularly those in India who might resonate with the platform’s more conservative and right-wing views.
Additionally, Modi recently participated in a podcast hosted by Lex Fridman, where he discussed personal topics like his life story and India’s political challenges. Trump shared a link to this podcast on Truth Social, signaling a strategic collaboration between the two leaders.
Modi’s presence on Truth Social could increase the platform’s visibility in India and among his global followers. It may also serve as a platform for Modi to communicate his views in a space that is not dominated by the traditional tech giants.
How Does Truth Social Compare to Other Platforms?
Truth Social has a similar structure to X, but its user base and traffic are much smaller. According to Bloomberg data, Truth Social trails X by about 400 times in terms of users. While X has millions of active users, Truth Social struggles to attract a wide audience.
One of the main reasons for this slow growth is that Truth Social is still trying to carve out its niche in a crowded market. Even though Trump’s participation helps, the platform needs to offer more features and attract new users to compete with established giants like X, Facebook, and Instagram.
The Financial Side of Truth Social
Despite being publicly listed since March 2024, Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) has faced major financial challenges. TMTG reported a $400 million loss in 2024, with only $3.6 million in revenue. These numbers show that while the company has a high market valuation of $4.45 billion, it has not yet proven to be financially sustainable.
The platform’s revenue is limited because its user engagement is still low. If Truth Social does not see a significant increase in users, it will struggle to generate enough income to cover its losses.
How Does Modi’s Presence Impact Truth Social?
Modi’s entry into Truth Social is likely to have a mixed impact on the platform. On one hand, it boosts the platform’s credibility and can attract more users, especially in India. Modi’s presence could appeal to a portion of the population who is seeking an alternative to traditional social media platforms.
However, Truth Social still has a long way to go in terms of user engagement. While Modi joining may bring short-term attention, the platform will need to continue evolving to keep people interested. The challenge for Truth Social is to provide compelling features and reasons for users to stay active.
Truth Social’s Challenges Ahead
Truth Social faces several obstacles, including:
- Low User Base: Compared to X, Truth Social has a small number of active users. It needs a lot more engagement to survive in a competitive social media landscape.
- Financial Struggles: Despite being publicly listed, TMTG has posted significant financial losses. This points to challenges in monetizing the platform and keeping it profitable.
- Legal Issues: The company also faces legal battles involving its investors, which complicates its financial future.
- Competition: Truth Social is up against powerful platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram, which already have massive user bases and more advanced features.
Can Truth Social Compete with Bigger Platforms?
Truth Social’s future depends on its ability to grow and differentiate itself from other social media platforms. For now, it remains a niche platform, but it could attract more attention with high-profile figures like Modi joining.
However, to truly compete with X and Facebook, Truth Social will need to improve its user interface, offer more features, and find a way to engage users consistently. While having high-profile political figures can help raise its profile, the platform must focus on user experience to retain its audience.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Modi joining Truth Social is a significant moment, especially for the platform’s visibility. However, whether it will lead to meaningful growth for Truth Social remains uncertain. While the platform has gained attention due to Trump’s involvement and Modi’s recent arrival, it will need to overcome significant challenges—especially regarding user engagement and financial stability—to establish itself as a true competitor to X and other major social networks.
As more leaders and influencers join smaller platforms, the social media landscape could become more fragmented, with users seeking spaces that better align with their views. For now, though, Truth Social faces a long road ahead to prove that it can sustain itself as a viable alternative.
FAQ
1. Why did Modi join Truth Social?
Modi’s presence on Truth Social could help him reach new audiences, particularly those in India who prefer alternative social media platforms. It also strengthens the connection between Modi and Trump’s digital platforms.
2. How many followers does Trump have on Truth Social?
Donald Trump has 9.28 million followers on Truth Social, which is much lower than the 87 million followers he has on X.
3. What is Truth Social?
Truth Social is a social media platform founded by Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG). It allows users to post “truths” and “retruths,” similar to tweets and retweets on X.
4. How does Truth Social compare to other social media platforms?
While Truth Social shares similarities with X, it has a smaller user base and lower engagement. X is much more popular and has a greater influence on global conversations.
5. Will Modi’s presence increase Truth Social’s popularity?
Modi joining Truth Social could attract more attention, especially in India. However, the platform still faces challenges in attracting and retaining users, which will determine its long-term success.
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Pari is a passionate writer known for captivating stories that blend imagination and reality. Inspired by travel, history, and everyday moments, Pari crafts narratives that resonate deeply with readers.