Top 15 Most Downloaded Apps Everyone Should Know
Mobile apps continue to shape how the world communicates, shops, learns, and entertains itself. In 2025, global app downloads crossed new milestones as millions of users turned to social media platforms, AI assistants, messaging tools, and video editing apps every day. Reliable industry sources have highlighted a clear shift in user behaviour, with AI and short-form video apps dominating download charts across both the App Store and Play Store.
The most downloaded apps of this year reveal not just the popularity of certain platforms but also the direction in which digital consumer habits are moving.
Monthly downloads from Backlinko, adoption numbers reported by Business Insider, rankings from the New York Post, and long-term install data from Udonis paint a detailed picture of which apps lead the global market in 2025. This article explains the top 15 apps that everyone should know, along with the key trends driving their success.
1. ChatGPT
ChatGPT is one of the most downloaded apps in the world in 2025. Industry reporting shows that it often ranks at number one on both major app stores. Business Insider reported that it has been installed hundreds of millions of times in 2025, which shows the rapid rise of AI adoption across global markets. The New York Post also highlighted its strong presence by placing it among the most popular apps on Apple platforms.
The growing interest in artificial intelligence, digital productivity, and personalised assistance has helped ChatGPT become one of the most recognisable mobile apps of the year. Its combination of speed, accuracy, and ease of use has pushed it ahead of traditional productivity apps worldwide.
2. Instagram
Instagram continues to be one of the most downloaded apps globally. Backlinko reported that Instagram was the most downloaded app in October 2025 with around 52 million installs. This shows the strong influence of short video content, influencer marketing, and social engagement in today’s digital world.
Brands, creators, and casual users continue to choose Instagram because of its reels, stories, and built-in e-commerce features. The platform has also expanded its tools for creators, making it even more central to the global social media ecosystem.
3. TikTok
TikTok remains one of the highest downloaded apps every month across global markets. According to Backlinko, TikTok consistently records between 42 to 45 million installs per month. Its popularity is driven by short-form video content, strong creator communities, and algorithm-driven discovery.
TikTok’s influence extends beyond entertainment as it shapes music charts, advertising strategies, and cultural conversations worldwide. Its strong performance in mobile downloads reflects this global impact.
4. WhatsApp Messenger
WhatsApp is among the most downloaded communication apps in 2025. Backlinko confirmed that it remains one of the top global messaging platforms in terms of new installs. Udonis also reported that WhatsApp holds one of the highest lifetime download totals of any mobile app.
The platform’s reliability, end-to-end encryption, and ease of use make it essential for personal and professional communication. Its global presence continues to grow across emerging markets and established regions.
5. Facebook
Facebook continues to remain in the list of top downloaded apps worldwide. Backlinko’s global charts show that Facebook still attracts millions of new installs each month despite being one of the longest-running social platforms.
Its reach, community groups, marketplace features, and content format updates help maintain user interest. Facebook’s download performance proves that traditional platforms still hold significant digital power.
6. Temu
Temu is one of the highest downloaded shopping apps globally. Backlinko data shows that Temu consistently ranks near the top of non-social app categories across the app stores. The app’s low-cost products, wide variety, and aggressive promotional strategies contribute to its strong global growth.
Its rapid rise demonstrates a major shift in global shopping behaviour, as consumers increasingly choose mobile-first e-commerce experiences.
7. Telegram
Telegram remains one of the leading messaging apps in terms of downloads. Backlinko’s charts confirm that Telegram consistently appears among the top global apps each month. The platform’s focus on privacy, large group capacity, and cloud-based message storage makes it a popular choice for many users.
Telegram’s download growth also reflects people’s increasing interest in alternatives to mainstream messaging services.
8. CapCut
CapCut is one of the most downloaded video editing apps in the world. Backlinko lists it as a leading creative tool with consistently high download numbers. The app’s integration with TikTok also contributes to its strong organic growth.
Its simple interface and professional editing features make it useful for both creators and casual users. CapCut’s popularity shows the global rise of mobile-first video production.
9. Threads
Threads, the text-based social platform by Meta, continues to stay high on global download rankings. Backlinko confirms that the app remains popular in 2025 as users look for new social spaces centred around simple communication and discussions.
Its integration with Instagram also supports continuous growth. Threads shows that users still welcome new social alternatives despite the saturation in the market.
10. Snapchat
Snapchat continues to appear in the top download charts globally according to Backlinko. Its ongoing appeal lies in its lens filters, privacy-friendly communication system, and strong popularity among younger users.
Snapchat’s persistent growth demonstrates that real-time, visual messaging remains a core part of mobile user behaviour.
11. YouTube
YouTube remains one of the most widely used video apps in the world. Although it may not always top monthly download charts, its total user base and continuous install demand make it one of the most important apps of 2025.
People rely on YouTube for education, entertainment, and livestreaming, which keeps the platform essential across all regions.
12. Google Maps
Google Maps has one of the highest lifetime install totals for any navigation app. Users across the world depend on it for directions, traffic data, and local discovery tools. Its consistent download volume reflects its role as a basic utility required on every smartphone.
Maps remains a daily-use app for millions, which keeps it among the top global downloads each year.
13. Google Search App
The Google app regularly appears at the top of App Store charts. The App Store’s rankings show it as one of the most downloaded free apps in multiple countries. People continue to rely on it for fast search results, news updates, and digital assistance.
Its position in the top charts shows that mobile search remains central to user habits even in an AI-dominated era.
14. Shop: All Your Favorite Brands
Shopping aggregator apps such as “Shop” remain among the top downloaded e-commerce apps globally. App Store charts confirm their strong presence, supported by wide product catalogues and easy checkout systems. Their success highlights the expansion of mobile-first retail.
These apps benefit from the shift toward digital shopping behaviour, especially in urban markets.
15. Zoom
Zoom continues to be one of the most downloaded productivity and video communication apps. Udonis data highlights its strong lifetime download numbers. Even though its peak came during remote-work conditions, it remains widely installed for business, education, and personal communication.
Its relevance remains strong as hybrid work and online meetings continue globally.
Key Download Trends in 2025
The global app market continues to grow rapidly, with Buildfire reporting that worldwide app downloads have reached hundreds of billions annually. This expansion is driven by changing digital habits, fast-evolving technology, and increasing smartphone usage.
One major trend is the rise of AI apps. The popularity of ChatGPT, highlighted by both Business Insider and the New York Post, shows that consumers now demand smarter tools.
Short-form video platforms also continue to dominate downloads, as seen in the strong performance of Instagram and TikTok in Backlinko’s charts. Messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram keep growing because communication remains the biggest driver of mobile usage.
Together, these trends show that mobile apps are entering a new era where AI, video, entertainment, and communication are the core pillars of user engagement.
FAQs
Q1. Which app had the highest downloads in 2025?
A. ChatGPT often ranked number one on major app stores in 2025.
Q2. What is the most downloaded social media app?
A. Instagram recorded around 52 million downloads in a single month, making it one of the top social apps.
Q3. Are AI apps becoming more popular?
A. Yes. Business Insider reported hundreds of millions of installs for ChatGPT, proving rapid AI growth.
Q4. Which shopping app topped downloads?
A. Temu is one of the most downloaded e-commerce apps globally.
Q5. What factors drove app downloads in 2025?
A. AI adoption, video content, social platforms, messaging tools, and mobile shopping trends.
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