TikTok most downloaded app in the world 

TikTok was the most downloaded app in the world in the first quarter of the year, according to Sensor Tower’s Q1 2022: Store Intelligence Data Digest report, “becoming just the fifth app (and the only one not owned by Meta) to cross this threshold."

Since the start of 2022, TikTok was downloaded more than 175 million times. “No app has had more downloads than TikTok since the start of 2018,” the report continued. 

“There’s a lot to be said about the success of TikTok and where it’s going. The social media app is mainly dominant for its relevant trends, unique algorithm and a diverse set of communities for every niche subject matter,” reported Tech Crunch. 

Out of the top five downloaded apps, three are owned by Meta—Facebook’s parent company. Instagram was the second most-downloaded app, despite decreasing 7% quarter-over-quarter, followed by Facebook.

Other popular apps worldwide include WhatsApp, Telegram, HBO Max, Facebook, and Messenger. 

The ranking of the top five apps has remained the same during the past three quarters. “TikTok surpassed 70 million App Store downloads for only the third time in Q1 2022,” continues the report, which added that this was due to the 11% quarter-over-quarter growth in Asia. 

TikTok has also been the most downloaded app in the U.S. since Q1 2021. “The last app to best TikTok was Zoom in Q4 2020,” the report added. In the U.S., YouTube, TikTok’s closest competitor, fell closely behind in second place. 

Sensor Tower’s estimates include worldwide downloads from the Apple Store and Google Play from January 1 to March 31, 2022. The estimate excludes preinstalled apps.