The 10 Most Downloaded web apps in the 3rd Quarter of 2023

In the third quarter of 2023, trends in the world of mobile applications were highlighted by the latest data report. have.

This platform specializes in analyzing app and website data, providing insight into downloads, consumer spending, and more.

In this article, we'll explore notable changes in the rankings of the most downloaded apps, highlighting web apps, as well as developments in the gaming space.

Threads: The New Emperor of Downloads

A major shake-up has taken place in the rankings of the most downloaded apps, with X (Twitter) competitor Threads taking the top spot. Developed by Meta, this new web app was a dazzling success, reaching 150 million downloads in its first week. However, it is important to note that this craze seems to have faded over the past month. Also note that Threads is not yet available in Europe due to GDPR issues.

The Rise of Temu

Another notable entry in the ranking is that of Temu, the Chinese e-commerce site. Based on a similar model to Shein, it offers very competitive prices and is gradually gaining popularity outside Asia, particularly in the United States and Europe. However, Temu also raises concerns, including its aggressive marketing practices, social and environmental concerns, and fears over data security.

Changes in Ranking

The arrivals of Threads and Temu had an impact on the ranking, leading to the exit of Facebook Messenger and Spotify from the top 10. Here is the ranking of the 10 most downloaded applications in the third quarter of 2023:

THREADS, THE META APPLICATION (new entrant)

Threads is a recent creation of Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Although it is a standalone app, it is tightly integrated with Instagram. Its interface is reminiscent of Twitter, focused on a feed of primarily text-based messages, with the ability for users to share photos and videos.

Threads favors sharing short snippets of text, also encouraging real-time discussion with other users.

You can react, like or share messages from community members. This app promises an interactive social experience for those who prefer quick chats and online interaction.

TikTok (-1)

TikTok, the smartphone application available on Android and iOS, has conquered the world of social networks by allowing users to legally share a variety of content, such as:

• music videos,
• voice clips from films or even their own voice.

Created by Chinese company ByteDance, TikTok has rapidly grown in popularity since its launch in 2018, cementing its position as a must-see phenomenon following the acquisition of Musical.ly.

Previously known as Douyin in China, TikTok is the perfect fusion of trending music and video.

With 800 million active users each month, according to “Datareportal”, TikTok attracts a wide audience, with a diversity of ages and genders, 60% female users and 40% male users, making this platform a social experience universal.

Instagram (-1)

Instagram is a free social networking service built around photo and video sharing. It was first launched in October 2010 on iOS and became available on Android in April 2012. Facebook purchased the service in April 2012 and has owned it ever since.

Like most social media apps, Instagram lets you follow users that interest you. This creates a feed on the home page showing recent posts from everyone you follow. You can Like posts and comment on them.

In addition to posting photos and videos, which remain permanently on your page, Instagram also allows you to post Stories. If you've used Snapchat, you know them. Stories allow you to post one or more photos and videos in succession. Anyone can view them for 24 hours, after which they expire.

WhatsApp Messenger (=)

WhatsApp, also known as WhatsApp Messenger, is a versatile instant messaging application offering end-to-end encryption across mobile networks and the Internet. Launched in 2009 by Jan Koum and Brian Acton, former Yahoo! employees, its initial goal was to supplant SMS. At the turn of the 2010s, WhatsApp experienced massive success, bringing together more than two billion users in 2020.

In February 2014, Facebook, now Meta Platforms, acquired WhatsApp for approximately $22 billion, or approximately $350 million per employee or $40 per user. Will Cathcart is the president.

Despite its popularity, the app has faced criticism over data security and privacy, as well as serving as a conduit for the spread of misinformation across the world.

Facebook (-2)

Facebook, the social media giant, focuses on “connecting” people through personal posts, sharing information, news and audio-visual content. It makes it easier to communicate with friends, family, old schoolmates or people with similar interests.

With approximately 2.4 billion users worldwide, Facebook is growing exponentially, despite ongoing concerns about data privacy. Besides personal communication, it also serves as an advertising platform for businesses.

For an individual user, Facebook offers a multitude of features, including expressing moods, posting photos, sharing news, multimedia content, gaming, creating groups, meeting new people, conducting surveys, live streaming and real-time communication.

The constant evolution of Facebook means that its features also evolve over time.

CapCut (-1)

CapCut, the application favored by a growing number of Internet users, is experiencing growing popularity, in particular thanks to TikTok.

It offers video editing and photo editing features, attracting more and more users.

In 2022, it was among the most downloaded applications in France. In April 2023, it reached first place in the ranking of free applications on the AppStore.

This meteoric rise is largely attributable to TikTok, as CapCut is owned by the same company, ByteDance. Initially intended for editing, the application is now used to promote original filters, contributing to its growing reputation.

Snapchat (-1)

Snapchat, often nicknamed “Snap” by its users, is a mobile application available on Android and iOS systems.

It is developed by the public company of the same name, Snap, although this similarity in names can lead to confusion.

Snap defines itself as a camera company, creating a variety of products, including Snapchat Spectacles.

Regardless of the name, Snap is led by its co-founder, Evan Spiegel. One of its fundamental characteristics is the ephemeral nature of its content, whether photos, videos or messages, visible to recipients for a short period of time.

This approach aims to encourage spontaneous and fleeting interactions, an idea behind the concept of the application.

Telegram (-1)

Establishing customer relationships is fundamental, regardless of the nature or age of your business. Telegram plays a central role in this process. Where does this platform come from?

Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging application accessible across various platforms globally. It is known for its end-to-end encrypted chats and video calls. Telegram is notably integrated with services such as Mailchimp, thus providing users with additional functionalities.

Telegram chats allow quick and efficient access to services from a multitude of devices. According to experts, this application delivers messages at a higher speed than its competitors, making it an instant messaging solution of choice in today's market.

WhatsApp Business (=)

WhatsApp Business represents the professional equivalent of WhatsApp, designed to help businesses implement effective customer support, transactional communication, or run marketing campaigns. This version offers particularly useful features:

1. Business Profile: This profile allows you to provide detailed information about your business, such as opening hours, website, contacts and the address of your physical store, making it easier to access essential information directly on WhatsApp.

2. Auto-welcome message: Set up an auto-greeting message to send whenever a customer contacts you, improving the customer experience.

3. Quick Replies: Pre-record answers to frequently asked questions for quick and efficient support.

4. Statistics: Access data on messages sent, delivered, received and read to evaluate the performance of your communication.

5. Tags: Categorize your conversations using tags for more convenient management and easier searching. WhatsApp Business is an essential tool for effective business communication.

Temu (+7)

The Temu shopping application, developed by the Chinese company Pinduoduo, has conquered the American market since its launch in August 2022, becoming the most downloaded application in the United States.

It positions itself as an alternative to platforms such as AliExpress, JOOM, or Wish, by offering affordable products with delivery in a week or less for Western consumers.

Temu's rise is largely attributed to advertising campaigns. Its continuation in the shopping app sector will be a challenge for years to come.

Pinduoduo, the Chinese company behind Temu, had 868 million active buyers in China in 2021, with a gross merchandise volume of $383 billion, illustrating its importance in e-commerce.

Stability in Other Rankings

However, there were few changes in other rankings, such as consumer spending and monthly active users (MAU). TikTok continues to lead in consumer spending, closely followed by YouTube and Tinder. The Monthly Active Users (MAU) rankings remained unchanged from the previous quarter, with the usual social media giants leading the way.

Games Evolution

In gaming, we are seeing the rise in popularity of Royal Match from Dream Games, as well as the breakthrough of Monopoly Go from Scopely during this quarter. In addition, a newcomer has entered the top 10 most downloaded games, namely Tic Tac Toe, which reinvents the classic game of Tic Toe.

When it comes to monthly active user (MAU) rankings in games, Roblox, Free Fire and Candy Crush Saga continue to be at the top of the podium.

Royal Match: The Big Winner

Ultimately, Royal Match was the real revelation of the third quarter, reaching the top spot in the consumer spending rankings for the first time. This web app jumped five places from the previous quarter, surpassing long-time leaders such as Honor of Kings and Candy Crush Saga.