According to a study by software subscription company, setapp, Instagram is the most popular app of 2024, securing the top spot with an impressive popularity score of 90. This high score is driven by its substantial 696 million downloads and a solid average rating of 4.5.
Instagram’s ongoing success can be attributed to its user-friendly interface, innovative features like Stories and Reels, and robust integration of e-commerce capabilities, making it a leader in social engagement and digital marketing.
Setapp evaluated the popularity of mobile apps across several categories, including social media, messaging, gaming, shopping, and more, by analyzing key indicators such as the number of downloads, average user ratings, and overall user satisfaction.
The data was sourced using official APIs from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and third-party analytics from Business of Apps and Appfigures. Each app was assigned a score from 0 to 100, with normalization techniques applied to facilitate fair comparisons across categories.
According to Setapp, the observed trend underscores a crucial insight: most successful apps innovate and respond swiftly to user needs and market shifts
“Instagram’s dominance in 2024, with 696 million downloads and a 4.5 rating, clearly indicates its ability to innovate and integrate seamlessly with e-commerce trends, keeping users engaged and satisfied. With its 4.6 rating and 654 million downloads, TikTok exemplifies how short-form video and trend-driven content can captivate a younger audience, setting a benchmark for engagement strategies“, it says.
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10 Most Popular Apps in 2024
Instagram leads the list of 2024’s most popular apps with 696 million downloads, an average rating of 4.5, and a final score of 90 in the social media category. Its success is attributed to its iconic features such as Stories and Reels, a user-friendly interface, and seamless e-commerce integration, which keep users engaged and satisfied.
TikTok follows closely with 654 million downloads, a higher average rating of 4.6, and a final score of 85. It remains a favourite, especially among younger demographics, for its engaging short-form videos and strong content delivery algorithms that foster long-term user engagement.
Facebook ranks third with 553 million downloads, an average rating of 4.0, and a final score of 83, maintaining a significant user base. Its diverse features, including Groups, Marketplace, and an integrated messaging platform, support its ongoing popularity. However, its lower average rating suggests mixed user experiences due to privacy and data management concerns.
WhatsApp leads the messaging category with 475 million downloads, an average rating of 4.55, and a final score of 74. Known for its secure, encrypted communication and versatile features like voice and video calls, WhatsApp is preferred for personal and business communication.
CapCut is a popular video editing app with 389 million downloads, an average rating of 4.55, and a final score of 64. It appeals to beginners and professionals with its wide range of editing tools and its integration with TikTok, enhancing user engagement.
Telegram stands out in the messaging category with 355 million downloads, an average rating of 4.35, and a final score of 60. It is well-regarded for its robust privacy features, such as secret chats and self-destructing messages, and its extensive functionality, which appeals to users who prioritize security and advanced communication features.
Snapchat secures a place with 343 million downloads, an average rating of 4.4, and a final score of 59. It continues to attract younger audiences through unique features like ephemeral messages, snap streaks, and AR lenses, alongside continuous innovation in augmented reality technology.
Subway Surfers leads the gaming category with 304 million downloads, an average rating of 4.45, and a final score 54. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, vibrant graphics, and regular updates have made it a classic in the mobile gaming scene, appealing to a broad audience.
Zoom remains essential in communication, with 300 million downloads, an average rating of 4.5, and a final score of 54. It gained prominence due to the shift toward remote work and virtual meetings, offering reliable performance and a range of features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and webinars.
Temu has strongly impacted the shopping category with 274 million downloads, an impressive average rating of 4.65, and a final score of 51. Its success is driven by a user-friendly interface, diverse product offerings, competitive pricing, and efficient delivery services, making it a top choice for online shoppers in 2024.
See the summary below:
| Ranking | App Name | No. of downloads, 2023 | Average Rating | Category | Final score |
| 1 | 696.0M | 4.5 | Social Media | 90 | |
| 2 | TikTok | 654.0M | 4.6 | Social Media | 85 |
| 3 | 553.0M | 4 | Social Media | 83 | |
| 4 | 475.0M | 4.55 | Messaging | 74 | |
| 5 | CapCut | 389.0M | 4.55 | Video Editing | 64 |
| 6 | Telegram | 355.0M | 4.35 | Messaging | 60 |
| 7 | Snapchat | 343.0M | 4.4 | Social Media | 59 |
| 8 | Subway Surfers | 304.0M | 4.45 | Gaming | 54 |
| 9 | Zoom | 300.0M | 4.5 | Communication | 54 |
| 10 | Temu | 274.0M | 4.65 | Shopping | 51 |
Key insights and future trends
What trends can the top apps of 2024 reveal? The reviewers indicate some findings:
- The rise of AI: Almost every leading app uses AI either to rank content or to introduce innovative, powerful features. The application of AI goes beyond improving the user experience. It also helps experts focus on high-level decision-making rather than execution.
- Social media evolution: Apps like Instagram and TikTok continue to dominate with their engaging features, such as short-form video and eCommerce integration. We can expect future social media apps to blend entertainment with shopping, creating a seamless user experience.
- Improved user experience. High user satisfaction with apps such as Temu and CapCut indicates that users value seamless functionality and intuitive interfaces. Future apps will likely focus on personalized experiences and integrating AI to meet individual user needs better.
- Productivity and communication. WhatsApp and Zoom highlight the importance of reliable, secure communication tools. As remote working and digital collaboration remain prevalent, future apps will likely enhance these features with more robust security measures and better integration across platforms.
- Gaming and entertainment. Subway Surfers illustrates the balance between engaging content and accessibility. Future trends may include more immersive experiences through augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), as well as more interactive content.
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