The shift in app dominance is real. For a long time, TikTok held the top spot as the most popular app among young people. Now, a new challenger has taken the throne: ChatGPT, the AI-powered app from OpenAI. With a whopping 52 million downloads in just one month, it’s surpassing TikTok and Instagram, which are tied for second and third place with 39 million downloads each.
Top 10 Most Popular Apps Worldwide
In April 2025, the rankings were:
- ChatGPT: 52 million downloads
- TikTok: 39 million downloads
- Instagram: 39 million downloads
- Facebook: 34 million downloads
- WhatsApp: 30 million downloads
- Temu: 25 million downloads
- CapCut: 24 million downloads
- Threads: 23 million downloads
- Telegram: 22 million downloads
- Snapchat: 19 million downloads
So, what’s behind ChatGPT’s success? Its ability to provide quick answers to almost any question has made it a go-to personal assistant for many. Whether it’s planning meals, doing homework, or even getting love advice, ChatGPT is the new Google. Sometimes, its responses might be a bit creative, but that’s part of its charm.
This shift in user behavior is especially noticeable among Gen Z, who prefer getting instant answers over searching for them on other platforms. OpenAI’s data shows that the ChatGPT website gets 5 billion visits per month, with 15% of those coming from the US. The company aims to reach 1 billion users worldwide by the end of the year.
TikTok, however, still holds its own as the top entertainment app, especially when it comes to viral videos that are both informative and hilarious. It’s not down for the count yet.