Based on the latest available data from 2025, here’s the ranking of the top 10 most downloaded apps globally, reflecting trends in social media, messaging, shopping, and AI. The Number 1 spot might surprise you due to its rapid rise! Download figures are year-to-date (YTD) for 2024 unless otherwise specified, as full 2025 data isn’t yet complete, but these align with 2025 trends.
Threads – ~327 million downloads
Meta’s Twitter/X rival saw explosive growth post-launch in July 2023, hitting 150 million downloads in a week. Though engagement cooled, its Instagram integration sustains its top-10 spot.
Snapchat (330 million downloads)
Snapchat’s AR lenses and Stories keep it relevant among younger users. Its 2024 growth carried into 2025, particularly in the U.S. and Europe.
CapCut – ~410 million downloads
TikTok’s video editing app, CapCut, rides the short-video wave. With over 1 billion Google Play downloads, it’s a favorite for creators adding filters, music, and transitions.
Telegram – ~448 million downloads
Privacy-focused Telegram gained traction amid data security concerns. Its channels and bots appeal to users seeking alternatives to WhatsApp, especially in Europe and Asia.
Temu – ~516 million downloads
This Chinese e-commerce app exploded due to aggressive pricing and flash deals. It topped downloads in the U.S., UK, Germany, France, and Canada in 2024, disrupting giants like Amazon and SHEIN.
WhatsApp – ~564 million downloads
The go-to messaging app with 2 billion active users, WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption and international calling features make it essential in India, South America, and Europe.
Facebook – ~598 million downloads
Meta’s flagship app remains a hub for communities, Marketplace, and events. With 2.9 billion monthly active users, its global reach ensures consistent downloads, especially in emerging markets.
3.Instagram – ~817 million downloads
Instagram’s focus on Reels and visual content keeps it neck-and-neck with TikTok. It led downloads in India (341 million) and Brazil in 2024, and its global appeal spans Gen Z and Millennials.
2.TikTok – ~825 million downloads
Short-form video king, TikTok’s AI-driven recommendations and creator tools keep it dominant. Despite a brief U.S. ban in early 2025, global downloads, especially from China (40% of iOS downloads), Indonesia, and Brazil, remain massive.
ChatGPT – ~282 million downloads (March 2025: 46 million)
Why it’s number 1: ChatGPT surged to the top in March 2025, ChatGPT.com gets approximately 5.19 billion visits per month. overtaking social media giants like TikTok and Instagram. Its AI-powered features, including text generation, image creation, and viral moments like Studio Ghibli-style memes.
