ChatGPT Surpasses Instagram and TikTok as the Most Downloaded App in March

In a groundbreaking development, ChatGPT has claimed the top spot as the most downloaded app in March, excluding gaming apps. This achievement marks a significant milestone, surpassing perennial favorites like Instagram and TikTok. The data, provided by app intelligence firm Appfigures, reveals that ChatGPT experienced a remarkable 28% increase in installations from February to March, culminating in 46 million new downloads during the month.

The Rise of ChatGPT: What Contributed to Its Success?

Several factors likely contributed to ChatGPT’s unprecedented success in March. One key driver was the introduction of significant upgrades to its image-generation capabilities, marking the first major enhancement in over a year. This upgrade sparked viral interest as users discovered the ability to generate images and memes reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s iconic animation style, known for classics like “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Spirited Away.”

Additionally, OpenAI implemented changes to its content moderation policies for images and introduced improvements to ChatGPT’s AI voice feature. These developments enhanced user experience and expanded the app‘s functionality, attracting a broader audience.

Year-over-Year Growth and Brand Recognition

Appfigures’ data highlights an impressive 148% year-over-year growth in ChatGPT installations when comparing the first quarter of 2021 to Q1 2025. However, experts suggest that new features alone may not fully explain this surge in popularity. Ariel Michaeli, founder and CEO of Appfigures, noted that ChatGPT is becoming synonymous with AI itself, much like how Google became associated with search engines in the early 2000s. This strong brand recognition presents challenges for competitors, making it difficult for other AI chatbots to gain traction.

Competitors in the AI Chatbot Space

While Anthropic’s Claude struggles to match ChatGPT’s performance, Grok, backed by Elon Musk and distributed through X, shows promise. Grok’s potential success might stem more from its association with a high-profile figure and established platform rather than superior functionality.

Social Media Apps Maintain Strong Presence

Instagram, which previously held the second position across both Apple App Store and Google Play in January and February, slipped to No. 2 in March. TikTok followed closely at No. 3. Earlier this year, TikTok’s download numbers were boosted by concerns over a potential U.S. ban, prompting users to secure the app before any restrictions could take effect. Although the ban is currently on hold due to ongoing negotiations between President Trump and China, where TikTok’s parent company ByteDance is headquartered, TikTok remains a dominant force in the global app market.

Instagram’s Continued Popularity Among Teens

Despite losing the top spot to ChatGPT, Instagram maintains significant popularity, particularly among U.S. teens. A recent survey by Piper Sandler revealed that Instagram is the most-used social app among this demographic, with 87% monthly usage compared to 79% for TikTok and 72% for Snapchat. This consistent engagement underscores Instagram’s enduring appeal and strategic positioning within the social media landscape.

Other Notable Performers in the Top Charts

March saw other social apps performing well, with Facebook and WhatsApp securing positions in the top five. Additional apps like CapCut, Telegram, Snapchat, and Meta’s Threads also made appearances in the top 10, alongside Temu. Collectively, these top 10 apps amassed 339 million downloads in March, surpassing February’s total of 299 million.

Conclusion: The Evolving App Landscape

The remarkable rise of ChatGPT highlights the evolving preferences and technological advancements shaping the app market. As AI continues to integrate into daily life, apps like ChatGPT are setting new standards for innovation and user engagement. Meanwhile, traditional social media platforms maintain their stronghold, adapting to changing trends and user demands. This dynamic interplay between emerging technologies and established favorites ensures a vibrant and competitive app ecosystem.