In an exciting turn of events, ChatGPT has outshone social media giants Instagram and TikTok to become the most downloaded app worldwide in March 2025. The surge in popularity is largely credited to the platform’s innovative image generation feature, which set off a viral trend of Ghibli-style creations, captivating millions of users globally.
According to the latest insights from analytics firm AppFigures, ChatGPT recorded a phenomenal 46 million downloads globally in March alone. This figure narrowly edged out Instagram, which posted an identical total but with a slightly different distribution across platforms. Specifically, ChatGPT saw 13 million downloads on iOS and 33 million on Android. In contrast, Instagram managed 5 million on iOS and 41 million on Android.
TikTok, another heavyweight in the digital arena, followed closely with an impressive 45 million downloads, including 8 million on iOS and 37 million on Android. However, it was not enough to outpace ChatGPT’s explosive growth driven by its creative new tools.
ChatGPT’s Creative Feature Fuels Download Frenzy
The buzz around ChatGPT skyrocketed in early March when the platform introduced its image generation feature. This new capability enabled users to create enchanting Ghibli-inspired artworks, which quickly went viral across social media networks. As a result, the app experienced a remarkable 28% increase in downloads from February to March, highlighting the strong consumer appetite for creative, AI-powered tools.
The AppFigures report further reveals that downloads of ChatGPT in the first quarter of 2025 have soared by an astonishing 148% compared to the same period in 2024. This growth not only signals the platform’s rising influence but also underscores the increasing mainstream adoption of AI applications worldwide.
OpenAI’s Chief Operating Officer, Brad Lightcap, shed more light on the platform’s success. He confirmed that over 130 million users have engaged with the new feature, collectively generating an impressive 700 million images since its launch. “The viral traction shows the power of giving creative tools to the masses,” Lightcap remarked, emphasizing how democratized technology can unleash widespread creativity.
The wave of Ghibli-style art flooding the internet illustrates a broader trend: users are eager to explore AI’s creative potential, pushing platforms like ChatGPT to the forefront of digital innovation.
As AI-powered creativity continues to captivate global audiences, ChatGPT’s momentum suggests it is not just a passing trend but a major player reshaping the landscape of digital engagement. With millions already onboard and millions more expected to join, the future looks remarkably bright for OpenAI’s flagship app.
