A new study by tech experts at setapp.com has ranked the most popular apps of 2024, with Instagram emerging as the leader.
The app achieved an impressive popularity score of 90, with 696 million downloads and a solid 4.5 average user rating. This success is credited to Instagram’s user-friendly interface and innovative features like Stories, Reels, and strong e-commerce integration, which continue to dominate the social media landscape.
The study evaluated the popularity of mobile apps across categories including social media, messaging, gaming, and shopping.
Analysts used data from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and third-party sources such as Business of Apps and Appfigures, assigning each app a score out of 100 based on downloads, ratings, and user satisfaction.
Key Findings of Top 10 Apps
Instagram’s dominance is closely followed by TikTok, which earned a popularity score of 85. TikTok’s 654 million downloads and an impressive 4.6 rating reflect its growing appeal, especially among younger users who engage with its trend-driven short-form videos.
Meanwhile, Facebook ranks third, maintaining a significant user base with 553 million downloads, though it has a lower average rating of 4.0, pointing to privacy concerns and user fatigue.
Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram also feature prominently in the study. WhatsApp leads the category with 475 million downloads and a popularity score of 74, driven by its encrypted communication and versatile features for personal and business use. Telegram, known for its privacy-centric features, achieved a score of 60, appealing to users who prioritize security.
In the shopping category, Temu made a strong impact, scoring 51 with 274 million downloads and an average rating of 4.65.
CapCut, a video editing app, also performed well, securing a spot in the top five apps with 389 million downloads and a 4.55 average rating, largely due to its integration with TikTok.
Top 10 Most Popular Apps in 2024
- Instagram – 696 million downloads | Rating: 4.5 | Final score: 90
- TikTok – 654 million downloads | Rating: 4.6 | Final score: 85
- Facebook – 553 million downloads | Rating: 4.0 | Final score: 83
- WhatsApp – 475 million downloads | Rating: 4.55 | Final score: 74
- CapCut – 389 million downloads | Rating: 4.55 | Final score: 64
- Telegram – 355 million downloads | Rating: 4.35 | Final score: 60
- Snapchat – 343 million downloads | Rating: 4.4 | Final score: 59
- Subway Surfers – 304 million downloads | Rating: 4.45 | Final score: 54
- Zoom – 300 million downloads | Rating: 4.5 | Final score: 54
- Temu – 274 million downloads | Rating: 4.65 | Final score: 51
Expert Insights About Top 10 Apps
Experts at setapp.com highlighted how the apps at the top of the list excel in innovation and user engagement. “Instagram’s ability to integrate e-commerce seamlessly within its platform has kept it relevant and popular,” they explained.
TikTok’s short-form video content also continues to capture the younger generation, with its content algorithms and community-driven trends setting new benchmarks for engagement.
The report also noted that while Facebook maintains a large user base, its lower user rating reflects growing challenges for legacy apps to meet evolving privacy and data management expectations. WhatsApp and Telegram, by contrast, showcase the increasing demand for secure communication platforms.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, this study underscores the importance of innovation, security, and user engagement for apps looking to maintain their dominance.
The success of Instagram and TikTok demonstrates how platforms that adapt quickly to new trends and consumer behaviors are best positioned to thrive.
Meanwhile, messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram show that privacy features are becoming a key differentiator in today’s digital marketplace.
