ChatGPT Overtakes Instagram and TikTok to Become Most Downloaded App Globally in March 2025

ChatGPT became the most downloaded app in the world in March 2025, surpassing long-dominant platforms like Instagram and TikTok. According to data released by app analytics firm Appfigures, the AI chatbot amassed 46 million new downloads during the month, marking a 28% increase from February and signaling growing user demand for generative AI tools over traditional social media platforms.

Download Surge and Platform Breakdown

ChatGPT’s total of 46 million downloads in March was driven by a notable surge across both iOS and Android. On Apple’s App Store, ChatGPT reached 13 million installs, outpacing Instagram’s 5 million and TikTok’s 8 million. On Android, the app added another 33 million downloads, placing it just behind Instagram’s 41 million and ahead of TikTok’s 37 million.

Despite Instagram matching ChatGPT’s total download number, the OpenAI-developed app claimed the top spot due to its stronger iOS performance—a critical differentiator, especially in markets like the United States and Japan where iPhone penetration is high. This shift also marked the first time ChatGPT has ever led the global monthly charts for non-gaming applications.

Key Feature: Ghibli-Style Image Generation

The spike in ChatGPT’s downloads is largely attributed to a single viral feature: its newly introduced Ghibli-style image generation tool. Leveraging the model’s advanced multimodal capabilities, users flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Instagram with AI-generated artwork inspired by the distinctive aesthetic of Studio Ghibli animations. This trend not only fueled organic word-of-mouth marketing but also prompted widespread media coverage, amplifying interest and accelerating adoption rates.

Alongside image generation, other recent updates contributed to its popularity. OpenAI improved the app’s voice interaction functionality and relaxed content moderation parameters around artistic generation, further enhancing the creative freedom offered to users.

Year-on-Year Growth Momentum

Beyond its month-over-month gains, ChatGPT’s performance in Q1 2025 illustrates a dramatic year-over-year expansion. Compared to the first quarter of 2024, downloads surged by 148%, according to combined data from Appfigures, TechCrunch, and Business Today. This reflects broader global trends in AI adoption as users increasingly seek tools for productivity, creativity, and entertainment that leverage generative models.

Several factors contributed to this exponential growth:

• Expansion of ChatGPT’s language support and international rollout
• Viral trends surrounding AI-generated content
• Improvements to app interface and performance stability
• Integration with other platforms and third-party workflows

Market Implications

The March milestone positions ChatGPT as a direct challenger to dominant consumer apps, not just in the utility or productivity categories, but in the broader attention economy. While Instagram and TikTok still maintain massive user engagement figures and advertising infrastructure, ChatGPT’s momentum suggests growing mainstream comfort with AI tools and signals potential long-term changes in how users interact with digital content.

As of now, OpenAI has not released internal engagement or revenue figures tied to this surge, but analysts are watching closely for signs of monetization strategies or ecosystem expansion following this breakthrough.