The Ten Most Popular Apps of 2019
As mobile usage soars, there are hundreds of new apps being developed and released into the market every day. Some are innovative, some are useful, while others are designed for entertainment or fun.
Out of the numerous options available on iTunes and Google Play store, here is a list of the ten most popular apps of 2019 by download volume.
1. Facebook Messenger
Owned by: Facebook
Originally a part of the social media platform, Messenger became an independent app in 2011. It has become an important communication tool, as evidenced by its popularity as the most downloaded app of 2019.
2. Facebook
Owned by: Facebook
It is interesting to note that Facebook is less popular than Messenger. The social media platform has been the subject of several controversies, most notably the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica data scandal. However, even though it is not as popular as it used to be, it still stands at the second position in the list of most popular apps of 2019.
3. WhatsApp
Owned by: Facebook
A messenger app that allows cross-platform messaging and Voice Over IP services, WhatsApp is the third-most-popular app of 2019 worldwide. It was created by WhatsApp Inc. in 2009 but bought by Facebook in 2014. As a result, Facebook now owns the top three most popular apps of 2019!
4. Tiktok
Owned by: ByteDance
Tiktok is a short-form video-sharing social networking service that was released for use outside China in 2017. In just two years, it has become so popular that it is the only one of the top five most-used apps of 2019 that is not owned by Facebook.
5. Instagram
Owned by: Facebook
Instagram is a photo and video-sharing platform that is now the preferred social media network of the younger generation. This is why it is one of the most downloaded apps of 2019.
6. SHAREit
Owned by: SHAREit Technologies Co. Ltd
SHAREit is an app that enables peer-to-peer file sharing, allowing the transfer of photos, videos, music, contacts, apps, and others. This app has also had its share of controversies but is still going strong as one of the most popular apps of 2019. In fact, Google chose it as one of its first peer-to-peer sharing app partner in 2018.
7. Likee
Owned by: YY Inc
Likee is another short video sharing app that has become the top ‘breakout’ (largest absolute growth in terms of downloads) app of the year. Such was its rise in popularity that it is the only new entrant in the top 10 most popular apps of 2019.
8. Snapchat
Owned by: Snap Inc.
Snapchat is a multimedia-messaging app with a difference. The messages are only available for a short while before disappearing. Because of its ephemeral image or video-based messaging, this is the most downloaded app of 2019 by the under-16s.
9. Netflix
Owned by: Netflix
Netflix is a subscription-based media service provider that allows you to stream TV shows and movies. In addition to providing content, the company has also started producing and distributing its own content under ‘Netflix Original’.
10. Spotify
Owned by: Spotify
Spotify is an online audio streaming platform that allows subscribers to create, edit, and share playlists. It has a library of over 50 million tracks that subscribers can enjoy. The app can be used for free, but certain features are only available with a paid subscription.
As you can see from the top most popular apps of 2019, communication and networking platforms seem to be the most well-liked, followed by entertainment and media streaming.
With the mobile app world constantly evolving there are some exciting trends emerging for the year ahead. From AI technology to personalised content, 2020 is set to be the year of closer connections.
