ChatGPT became, for the first time, in March 2025, an app with the most downloads in the world, overtaking social media hubs like Instagram and TikTok. For the first time, an AI-powered app has topped the chart in the non-gaming category, heralding a paradigm shift in consumer technology engagement. 

Per Appfigures, an app intelligence provider, the ChatGPT app was downloaded 46 million times this March, a 28% increase from February. This placed ChatGPT as the topmost app very much ahead of Instagram and TikTok. Thus the recognition of the computerized application appeal is truly moving to the public.”

Why Did ChatGPT’s Downloads Surge?

Several factors contributed to ChatGPT’s record-breaking month:

1. Major Upgrades in Image Generation & Voice Features

OpenAI introduced significant improvements to its image-generation capabilities, allowing users to create visuals in the style of Studio Ghibli (famous for films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro). This led to viral trends, with users sharing AI-generated Ghibli-style memes.

The company also relaxed some content moderation policies, making image creation more flexible.

ChatGPT’s AI voice feature was enhanced, making interactions more natural and engaging.

2. ChatGPT Is Becoming Synonymous with AI

Appfigures CEO Ariel Michaeli noted that ChatGPT is following Google’s path—becoming a verb. Many users now associate AI chatbots with ChatGPT itself, rather than seeing it as just one option among many.

• When people hear about AI advancements (like Grok, Claude, or DeepSeek), their first instinct is often to download ChatGPT—even if competitors offer unique features.
• This brand dominance makes it difficult for rivals like Anthropic’s Claude to gain traction.
• Grok (backed by Elon Musk and X) has an advantage due to Musk’s influence, but it still trails behind ChatGPT in downloads.

3. AI’s Growing Role in Daily Life

• As more users flock to ChatGPT for live support, creative tasks, and productivity needs, traditional search engines’ use decreases.
• AI increasingly enters the workflow of professionals, students, and businesses to spur natural growth.

TikTok & Instagram: The Battle for Total Dominance over Social Media 

• While ChatGPT was gaining grounds, TikTok and Instagram were at a furious tailborn nip at #one. 
• Fears about an American ban on TikTok in early 2025 were sufficient not to let the users lose guard and hastily download the app.
• Currently, as the U.S. government is in long discussions with the ByteDance company from China, the ban, however, is now suspended, and the growth of TikTok has leveled off.
• As per a survey by Piper Sandler, Instagram is still the most favored social application among U.S. teenagers, with 87% of them using it every month, beating TikTok (79%) and Snapchat (72%).

The Broader App Market Trends in March 2025

The top 10 most downloaded apps (excluding games) in March included:

1. ChatGPT (46M downloads)
2. Instagram (~45M)
3. TikTok (~44M)
4. Facebook
5. WhatsApp
6. CapCut (TikTok’s video editor)
7. Telegram
8. Snapchat
9. Threads (Meta’s Twitter rival)
10. Temu (the fast-growing e-commerce app)

Total downloads for the top 10 apps reached 339 million in March, up from 299 million in February—indicating a broader increase in mobile app engagement.

What Does This Mean for the Future of AI Apps?

1. AI Chatbots Are Mainstream – ChatGPT’s dominance proves that AI is no longer niche but a daily-use tool.
2. Competition Will Intensify – While ChatGPT leads, Grok, Claude, and Gemini (Google’s AI) will push for market share.
3. Social Media vs. AI – Instagram and TikTok remain strong, but AI apps are reshaping digital behavior.
4. Monetization & Subscriptions – OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus model could inspire more freemium AI services.

Conclusion: A New Era in App Dominance

ChatGPT’s ascent to the #1 most downloaded app is a watershed moment for AI. It reflects changing user priorities, where AI assistants are becoming as essential as social media.

As generative AI evolves, we can expect:

• More integrations (e.g., AI in smartphones, cars, and wearables).
• Regulatory scrutiny (governments may impose stricter AI rules).
• New competitors (tech giants and startups will keep innovating).

For now, ChatGPT reigns supreme—but the AI race is far from over.