ChatGPT Tops Global App Downloads in March 2025, Surpassing Instagram and TikTok
In a landmark achievement, ChatGPT became the world’s most downloaded app in March 2025, excluding games, dethroning long-standing leaders Instagram and TikTok. This marks the first time OpenAI’s AI chatbot has claimed the top spot in monthly download rankings, signaling its growing dominance in the tech landscape.
Key Highlights
- 46 million new downloads in March, a 28% increase from February (Appfigures)
- Surpassed Instagram (#2) and TikTok (#3) in global rankings
- 148% year-over-year growth in installs (Q1 2021 vs. Q1 2025)
Image Credits: Appfigures
What Drove ChatGPT’s Surge?
1. Major Feature Upgrades
- Enhanced image-generation capabilities, including viral Studio Ghibli-style artwork (e.g., “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Spirited Away” themes)
- Loosened content moderation for image creation
- Improved AI voice assistant functionality
2. Brand Recognition as a Cultural Phenomenon
Appfigures CEO Ariel Michaeli noted:
“ChatGPT is becoming a verb, much like ‘Google’ in the 2000s. For many, AI now equates to ChatGPT.”
This mindshare makes it challenging for compe*****s like Anthropic’s Claude or Grok (backed by Elon Musk’s X platform) to gain similar traction.
The Broader App Landscape
Social Media Shakeup
- Instagram: Previously #1 in 2024, now #2 globally
- 87% of U.S. teens use it monthly (Piper Sandler survey)
- 87% of U.S. teens use it monthly (Piper Sandler survey)
- TikTok: Fell to #3 after earlier download spikes due to U.S. ban concerns (now on hold)
Top 10 Apps (March 2025)
- ChatGPT
- Instagram
- TikTok
- Facebook
- WhatsApp
6-10: CapCut, Telegram, Snapchat, Threads, Temu
Total downloads for top 10 apps: 339 million (up from 299 million in February)
Why This Matters
ChatGPT’s ascent reflects AI’s mainstream adoption, with users increasingly turning to chatbots for creativity, productivity, and entertainment. Its ability to outpace social media giants underscores a pivotal shift in how people interact with technology.
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