In today's digital era, mobile apps have become an essential part of everyday life, shaping how we communicate, shop, entertain ourselves, and stay productive. Based on the latest data from 2025, here are the top 10 most downloaded and widely used apps globally, reflecting user preferences and trends across various categories.
Instagram remains one of the most downloaded and beloved social media platforms worldwide. With over 3.8 billion downloads by early 2025, it continues to captivate users with its focus on visual content, including photos, Stories, and Reels. Instagram’s constant innovation in content marketing tools keeps millions engaged daily, making it a staple for personal and business use alike.
TikTok has solidified its place as a global social media powerhouse, especially in short-form video content. Surpassing 3.5 billion downloads worldwide, TikTok’s addictive, algorithm-driven feed has made it a cultural phenomenon influencing music, fashion, entertainment, and more. Its emphasis on user creativity and viral trends keeps its massive user base growing rapidly.
WhatsApp is the leading messaging app globally, boasting over 2 billion daily active users. Its simple, reliable, and secure messaging platform connects people across the world, making it indispensable for personal communication and business interactions alike. WhatsApp consistently ranks among the top apps by downloads and active users.
Despite new competitors, Facebook remains a dominant social networking platform with a vast user base. It continues to influence how billions connect, share, and consume information worldwide. Facebook’s integration with other Meta platforms helps maintain its relevance in the digital ecosystem.
Temu has emerged as a surprising leader in the shopping app category, becoming the most downloaded shopping app in several countries including the US, UK, and Australia. With over 500 million downloads, Temu’s rapid rise is attributed to its attractive deals and user-friendly shopping experience.
CapCut, a video editing app, has gained massive popularity, especially among content creators on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. With over 400 million downloads, it offers powerful editing tools that are accessible to beginners and professionals alike, fueling the rise of video content creation.
Telegram is a widely used messaging app known for its privacy features and group communication capabilities. With hundreds of millions of downloads, it serves as an alternative to mainstream messaging apps, favored by users who prioritize security and customization.
Threads, a newer social media app, has quickly gained traction as a platform for close-knit communication and social networking. It ranked among the top downloaded apps in 2024 and 2025, reflecting growing user interest in more intimate social sharing spaces.
Snapchat continues to be a popular choice for ephemeral messaging and multimedia sharing, especially among younger audiences. It remains one of the top downloaded apps worldwide, known for its innovative filters and augmented reality features.
ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, is the leading productivity app in 2025, topping download charts with over 50 million downloads in recent months. This AI-powered conversational assistant is revolutionizing how users access information, create content, and automate tasks on their devices.
| Rank | App | Category | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Social Media | Visual content, Stories, Reels | |
| 2 | TikTok | Social Media | Short-form video, viral trends |
| 3 | Messaging | Secure, reliable global messaging | |
| 4 | Social Media | Large user base, content sharing | |
| 5 | Temu | Shopping | Rapid growth, attractive deals |
| 6 | CapCut | Video Editing | Powerful, user-friendly editing tools |
| 7 | Telegram | Messaging | Privacy-focused, group chats |
| 8 | Threads | Social Media | Close-knit social networking |
| 9 | Snapchat | Messaging/Media | Ephemeral messaging, AR filters |
| 10 | ChatGPT | Productivity | AI conversational assistant |
These apps highlight the diverse ways people engage with technology today—from social networking and messaging to shopping and productivity. Staying updated with the most popular apps can help you navigate the digital world more effectively.
Data sources: Similarweb, Priori Data, Appfigures, and industry reports from 2025.
