Since mobile apps burst onto the scene in the 90s, its role has grown to become the epicenter of digital life. That first Tetris game installed on a Danish phone in 1994 opened the door to an ecosystem that today encompasses payments, travel, dating, food delivery, and virtually any daily need you can think of.
The volume of use we have today is overwhelming: In 2023, 257.000 billion downloads were reached On a global scale (Digital 2024), 2.100 billion more than the previous year (+0,9%). In addition, spending on apps rose to 171.300 million, growing by 2,7% year-over-year. Given this context, it makes sense to ask: which apps are the most downloaded and which ones are most frequently used?
Global Overview: Downloads, Usage, and Spending
If we look at the world board, Social media and messaging continue to dominate clearly when we talk about downloads. In recent rankings, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook stand out, followed by WhatsApp Messenger. In their wake, CapCut (ByteDance video editing), Telegram, Snapchat, Temu, WhatsApp Business and Facebook Messenger, confirming that 8 of 10 most downloaded are social/messaging, with video editing and e-commerce making the list.
By countries, China leads overwhelmingly Annual download volume with 113.000 billion downloads, followed by India (26.400 billion), the United States (12.600 billion), Brazil (10.300 billion), and Indonesia (7.570 billion). These figures illustrate where the market momentum is concentrated and help explain why certain apps scale so quickly.
The spending also offers interesting reading: China leads the total disbursement with 52.100 billion dollars, ahead of the United States (44.900 billion), Japan (17.900 billion), South Korea (7.860 billion) and the United Kingdom (4.450 billion). If we look at spending as a percentage of GDP, Asia occupies the top six spots: Taiwan (0,54%), South Korea (0,46%), Japan (0,42%), Hong Kong (0,33%), China (0,29%) and Thailand (0,22%).
Apps with the longest usage time worldwide
Beyond installs, the time we spend on an app determines its real relevance. YouTube tops the world usage ranking, and are joined by several Google solutions such as Chrome (6th), Phone by Google (8th), and Google (10th). Two Meta apps also appear on the podium for usage time: Facebook (2nd) y WhatsApp Messenger (3rd).
If we segregate by categories, the hegemony of social/messaging remains: TikTok ranks 4th in usage time, Instagram 5th, and Facebook Messenger 9th. Curiously, it sneaks in Samsung Touchwiz Home in 7th place, reflecting the weight of layers and manufacturer services in the daily lives of millions of users.
Spain: what is downloaded and what is used the most
In Spain, Telecom and social media rule again, but with interesting nuances. The 2024 download ranking placed in first position Telegram, driven by its flexibility in sharing content and the ability to connect without revealing your phone number. It is followed by TikTok, the fashion store Shein y WhatsApp, which remains the standard communication tool.
The national top is completed by Instagram, McDonald's app (for their discounts), AliExpress, Cl @ ve PIN (digital identity for public procedures), a QR and barcode reader —normalized since the pandemic— and Wallapop, which pushes circular consumption as a brand argument.
As for use, Social networks are the most time-consuming In Spain, Instagram is very popular among young people. In messaging, there's no doubt: WhatsApp is the absolute queen, and for video calls, Zoom and Google Meet stand out. Among the youngest Twitch is growing strongly, while in entertainment Netflix maintains its appeal. For shopping, the usual podium combines Amazon, Wallapop and AliExpress.
The latest global download charts
In the most widespread classifications of recent years, TikTok and Instagram alternate leadership according to the source and period. In a recurring global compendium for 2024, the top positions were occupied by TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. After them, they emerged Telegram, Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, Zoom, CapCut y SpotifyThis mix sums up the pulse of the ecosystem well: creation and consumption of short videos, ubiquitous messaging, video conferencing and on-demand audio.
In an alternative cut (State of Mobile 2023, with 2022 data), Instagram ranked first By downloads, ahead of TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Telegram, CapCut, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp Business, and Spotify. In parallel, by 2024 TikTok continued to lead the way in terms of installs., with WhatsApp and Instagram maintaining a massive reach.
What was the “most installed” app according to 2021 peaks?
In January 2021, a controversial move by WhatsApp on its terms made Telegram will escalate suddenly at the top of downloads on Google Play and the App Store. That didn't mean a total abandonment of WhatsApp, but it did mean that many users They will begin to combine both platforms. In the 2021 annual computation, TikTok It was the app with the most installations, consolidating the jump that already came from 2020.
Play Store: How to access downloads
To download apps on Android, the gateway is the Google Play Store. It comes pre-installed on any device with Google services and lets you browse between free and paid apps. Finding it is as simple as going to the app drawer and searching. Google Play Store to start installing.
If you need to locate it step by step: 1) open the Applications section of the phone; 2) locate the icon identified as Google Play Store; 3) enter and search for the apps that interest you. With that, that's it.
What is Android and why does it allow such a variety of apps?
Android is an operating system based on Linux, designed for mobile devices and open to developers who use interfaces and SDKs to create cross-platform apps—historically with Java, now also with Kotlin and other technologies. Thanks to its architecture, applications access functions such as contacts, GPS or storage, causing the ecosystem to grow non-stop.
Most used and most downloaded in 2024
In 2024 we consumed the same things as always, but with nuances. WhatsApp, Instagram and TikTok They dominated social use, while for remote work Zoom and Microsoft Teams maintain their own niche. In games, names like Free Fire and PUBG Mobile hold the top positions in entertainment.
The world's most downloaded app in 2024 was awarded to TikTok, leaning on her short video format and the push of viral content. Along with it, they highlighted WhatsApp in messaging and Instagram as a visual platform.
| Application | Category | Popularity reasons |
|---|---|---|
| TikTok | Social Media | Viral content, dynamic format |
| Courier | Easy, free and widespread use | |
| Social Media | Visual platform with enormous reach | |
| Zoom | Tools | Video calls and remote work |
| Free Fire | Games | Accessibility and multiplayer |
Zoom into the US market and e-commerce
In 2022, according to mobile intelligence data, the American podium was headed by TikTok (99M) e Instagram (72M)Followed by Cash App (64M) y WhatsApp (63M). They closed the top-10 Snapchat (54M), Subway Surfers (51,4M), Roblox (50,9M), Amazon (47M), Messenger (46,3M) y Facebook (45,5M). Reading this mix speaks of social time, mobile payments and gaming very present in everyday life.
In global e-commerce for the same period, SHEIN led with 229M installsfollowed by Meesho (210M), Shopee (203M), Amazon (195M) y Shopsy (141M). Further back they appear Flipkart (115M), Pinduoduo (79M), Alibaba (66M), Lazo (64M) y Mercado Libre (58M)In the United States, the top was as follows: Amazon (47M), SHEIN (40M), Walmart (32M), Fetch (23,2M), Shop (22,9M), Etsy (17,75M), Nike (17,1M), Temu (16,5M), eBay (16,1M) y OfferUp (15,8M).
Analysts highlighted two ideas: on the one hand, WhatsApp grew its share in the US. in front of Messenger; on the other hand, the Temu entrance —with a very similar value proposition to Wish—was notable despite its late launch that year. It was also highlighted that Nike has managed to turn its app into a top-notch D2C channel, and that Shop capitalizes on the Shopify ecosystem.
Top games in the world by downloads
Gaming is still huge. In 2022, it topped the global ranking by installs. Subway Surfers (304M)followed by Stumble Guys (254M), Roblox (208M), Candy Crush Saga (138M), Race Master 3D (128M), 8 Ball Pool (120M), FIFA Mobile (111M), Merge & Fight (110M), Garena Free Fire (109M) y Bridge Race (107M). It is striking that several “veteran” titles stay on top, with Subway Surfers and Candy Crush lasting more than a decade on the market.
Yes, More facilities do not equal more revenueGames like Clash of Clans don't appear in the top 10 most downloaded games, but they remain among the top earners. The data used comes from Google Play and the App Store, excluding Android downloads in China.
Global download and usage comparisons (other sources)
According to another reading (Data.ai, State of Mobile 2023, with 2022 as the base year), the top 10 downloads were as follows: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Telegram, CapCut, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp Business and SpotifyBy global monthly active users, the ranking changed clearly: YouTube and several Google services were ranked high (Google, Chrome, Google Maps, Gmail, Google Drive), and Facebook It lost ground against other services both globally and in Spain.
Spain: downloads and active users with a different perspective
In the list of “ten most downloaded in Spain"They were placed in this order: Shein, TikTok, Telegram, Caixabank Sign, WhatsApp, Instagram, Cl@ve PIN, HBO Max, Amazon and BeRealInstagram has lost ground to the push from Shein and TikTok, although it's worth remembering that some apps are installed for one-time use and then abandoned.
If we look active users in Spain, the top-10 becomes: WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, Facebook Messenger, TikTok, Spotify, Telegram, AliExpress and Netflix. That is, communication, social, shopping and entertainment mark the pulse of sustained use.
CapCut: What it is and why it appears in so many rankings
CapCut is the video editing app —vertically and with very fast flows—that has won over content creators for Reels and TikTok. Available on Android and iOS, its learning curve is minimal and offers many free features, which explains its rise in the world charts.
New in 2025: Selection of free apps that are playing
If you're looking for fresh air, 2025 is coming in strong. AI as the protagonist It provides several useful and 100% free options, and there are also very practical tools for everyday use.
Grok
The AI proposal linked to the X ecosystem It comes with a polished, free app packed with useful features to answer questions, generate content, and help you with everyday tasks.
Le Chat by Mistral AI
The European alternative ChatGPT or Gemini. A chatbot based on Mistral's LLMs with advanced features and free use, ideal for quick consultations and productivity.
DeepSeek
The Chinese model that broke the mold It comes with an app with web search, advanced reasoning, and elaborate responses. Many of its advanced capabilities are available for free.
AI goal
Meta's AI in a standalone app for chatting, problem-solving, and internet searches without relying on WhatsApp or Instagram. Useful and straightforward.
MyDNI
Your ID on your mobile It is already a reality in testing: it allows you to identify yourself securely and share only the necessary dataAlthough it remains in pilot phase until 2026, it is a key step toward digital documentation.
edits
Meta's response to CapCut to edit video with Instagram in mind. Simple and surprisingly powerful, with all features free as a differential hook.
Instarchive
Save photos and videos from Instagram easily: share content with the app and it is filed neatly for access offline whenever you want.
Non-stop radio
A minimalist FM radio app, without ads or in-app purchases, perfect for listening to music or news, and compatible with Android Auto.
SignalTracker
Analyze mobile coverage in real time: signal strength, whether 5G is NSA or SA, and details of antennas and cells around you.
Remind Me (using call)
Reminders that call by phoneFree version with ads and five ads included; unlock unlimited for €3,09 in a single payment without subscription.
How much time do we spend on our phones and what do we spend it on?
In Spain we use the mobile phone a average of 3 hours and 40 minutes a day. Young people spend more than four hours and adults exceed three, with the number of those over 45 also increasing. The sectors that take up the most of our time are communication, social networks, video streaming, e-commerce, banking, fashion, music, games, delivery and travel.
Another approach to downloads and usage: featured lists
A much-cited global tally for 2022 put downloads at Instagram ahead of TikTok, Facebook and WhatsApp, with Snapchat, Telegram, CapCut y Facebook Messenger completing the top, more WhatsApp Business y SpotifyIn global monthly active users, the top 10 was ranked as follows: YouTube, Google, Google Chrome, Facebook, WhatsApp, Google Maps, Gmail, Instagram, Facebook Messenger and Google DriveIn Spain, Facebook is losing ground in usage compared to other platforms.
United States and other habits by country
Among the most used apps by Americans are Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (X), together with WhatsApp and Messenger, plus Netflix and YouTube for entertainment. For shopping, Amazon and eBay are essential. These preferences vary by age group, but the pattern is clear: connectivity, entertainment and immediacy.
Quick questions about age and taste preferences
What applications do young people use the most?
TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube make up your daily combo, due to their mix of short, creative, and interactive content. In messaging, WhatsApp and Telegram remain vital to staying in touch.
What apps do women use the most?
There is variety, but apps usually stand out. Health and Wellness, fashion/beauty and organization. In social, Pinterest, Instagram and TikTok They have great appeal, and they are also successful shopping and delivery for convenience.
What apps do adults use the most?
They prioritize utility and productivity: banking, news, health, Google Calendar or Outlook, as well as Facebook and LinkedIn for social and professional purposes. In entertainment, Netflix and Spotify are fixed.
What will teenagers like in 2025?
Looking for immersive experiences with AR/VR, video games, and platforms that allow for personalization and community. They are interested sustainability and social issues, and they value apps that reflect their values.
What is the best free dating app?
It depends on what you are looking for, but Tinder, Bumble, and OkCupid They have good user ratings and free features. It's important to adjust Privacy & Security before you launch.
Which social network is the most used by adults?
Facebook maintains the largest adult base due to its mix of groups, events, and Marketplace. LinkedIn stands out in networking and professional development.
How to choose applications?
Define the need, contrast options and read reviews. Check out permissions and privacy policies, prioritizes reputable developers and apps with frequent updates.
What is the name of the most popular clothing app?
There are many: ASOS, Zara, Shein to buy new, and Depop or Vinted for second hand. The best choice depends on style, budget and sustainable approach.
What is the most used social network in Spain?
Historically Facebook It was the most massive, although Instagram and TikTok They grow strong, especially among young people. WhatsApp, although it is messaging, it is key in social communication.
What is the most famous social network?
On a global scale, Facebook has been the reference for years, with Instagram, TikTok and YouTube also at the highest level due to its content and community power.
What social network do young people use the most?
TikTok and Instagram They focus their attention on short video and visual content, with Snapchat as a key option for its ephemeral messages and creative filters.
A cultural note that snuck into the lists
Amidst so many rankings, a synopsis of C-Drama appeared: “Forbidden Marriage – Objective No. 1: Conquer the Untouchable Master”. It tells the story of a saint of the Demonic Section who is reborn as an orphan with the purpose of marry her former enemy, a fair and disciplined teacher, and how the identity secrets complicate romance. It's not an app, but it reflects how pop culture crosses any digital conversation.
Additional data: rankings with concrete figures
In 2022, a widely cited global compendium ranked apps by installs as follows: TikTok (672M), Instagram (548M), WhatsApp (424M), CapCut (357M), Snapchat (330M), Telegram (310M), Subway Surfers (304M), Facebook (298M), Stumble Guys (254M) y Spotify (238M). It was noted that Meta loses ground with Messenger against WhatsApp, which gained weight both globally and in the US.
Training: if you want to create apps
If you are bitten by the bug to build solutions, a solid path is to study Development of Cross-Platform Applications (DAM). It is a profession with high current demand and promising futureIn Malaga, you'll find training options to delve into this field and shape mobile, web, and desktop projects.
Looking at the entire map—downloads, usage time, spending, and local preferences—it shows that Social, messaging and short video move the market, with e-commerce, banking, and entertainment as pillars of sustained use; in Spain, Telegram, TikTok, Shein, and WhatsApp are setting the pace for downloads, while YouTube and Google services They draw on overall usage time. The photo changes depending on the indicator, but the common thread is clear: what connects, entertains and saves time is what grows the most.