The Top 10 most downloaded apps in the world in 2021

As 2021 draws to a close, it's time to take stock of the apps that defined the year. What were the new apps that you turned to in 2021? That became essential in your daily life? To find out what the world was downloading, check out the Top 10 most downloaded apps this year, all categories included.

It's time to take stock! TikTok remains the most downloaded app in the world (and in the US) in 2021, according to Apptopia. The app comparison platform has just unveiled the Top 10 most downloaded apps in the world and in the US this year. To do this, the site collected download data fromiOS and Google Play, with the exception of China, where the data is only from iOS.

The Chinese social network, which has shaken up the world of social networks, continues its ascent. With 656 million downloads in 2021 worldwide, according to figures analyzed by Apptopia, TikTok is emerging as the app of the past year, having already been in top position in 2020. The platform is ahead of the Meta group apps with Instagram in second place and Facebook in third place followed by WhatsApp (4th).

Note that the covid-19 pandemic is still having an impact on app usage. With widespread remote working, the Zoom app that allows video meetings remains among the top ten most downloaded apps worldwide and in the United States.

While Neflix is no longer in the global top 10, it's Spotify that has entered the 2021 race at number 10 with 203 million downloads worldwide. Over in the US, it's the HBO Max streaming platform that has won over Americans by racking up 45 million downloads this year.

Top 10 most downloaded apps in 2021 throughout the world

1. TikTok - 656 million

2. Instagram - 545 million

3. Facebook - 416 million

4. WhatsApp - 395 million

5. Telegram - 329 million

6. Snapchat - 327 million

7. Zoom - 300 million

8. Messenger - 268 million

9. CapCut - 255 million

10. Spotify - 203 million

Top 10 most downloaded apps in 2021 in the United States

1. TikTok - 94 million

2. Instagram - 64 million

3. Snapchat - 56 million

4. Cash App - 56 million

5. Zoom - 52 million

6. Messenger - 51 million

7. Facebook - 47.3 million

8. WhatsApp - 47.2 million

9. YouTube - 47 million

10. HBO Max - 45 million

© Agence France-Presse