Mobile App Downloads in India: Insights from 2023 Data

The analytics platform data.ai, previously known as App Annie, revealed that Indians downloaded a staggering 25.96 billion mobile apps across Android and iOS platforms in 2023. This figure, although slightly lower than the previous year's 28 billion, showcases the immense mobile app adoption in the country throughout the year, spanning from January 1 to December 30.

Mobile App Downloads in India

The data also highlighted the revenue generated from various app stores, amounting to a collective US $415 million in India. However, despite a noticeable increase, India's position stands at 25th globally in terms of app store revenues. For instance, Google Play Store recorded revenues of $19 million, followed closely by Sea with $16 million, dating app Bumble with $11 million, and Tencent with $10 million.

App Categories and Downloads

Among the diverse app categories, gaming dominated the download numbers, amassing 9.3 billion, trailed by social apps (over 2.36 billion) and photo/video apps (1.86 billion). Notable downloads were also observed in finance (1.6 billion), entertainment (1.3 billion), shopping (1.10 billion), business (446 million), education (439 million), productivity tools (995 million), and lifestyle apps (468 million).

Top Apps and Active Users

In the app realm, Google retained its position as the most downloaded app in India, accumulating a total of 449 million downloads. Instagram closely followed at 364 million, while Reliance Jio, Flipkart, WhatsApp, and Meta secured substantial download numbers.

In the e-commerce sector, Meesho boasted 35.8 million active users, while Flipkart's Shopsy catered to 11 million-plus users from smaller cities. E-commerce giants Amazon and Flipkart competed fiercely, with Amazon tallying over 76 million active users compared to Flipkart's 82.1 million.

Over-the-Top Entertainment and User Base

In the over-the-top entertainment segment, Disney+ Hotstar led with over 67 million active users, while Netflix witnessed a surge to over 16 million. Amazon Prime and Zee5 trailed, amassing over 10 million and 6.7 million users, respectively.

This data sheds light on India's ever-growing app landscape, reflecting the country's robust digital ecosystem and diverse user preferences.

Top Apps and Brands: Familiar Faces with Surprising Shifts:

• Google, Instagram, Jio, Flipkart, WhatsApp, and Meta: Familiar Domination: These apps continued to lead the pack in terms of individual downloads.

• Meta Takes the Crown: At the parent company level, Meta, encompassing Instagram, WhatsApp, and Meta itself, claimed the top spot with a total of 782 million downloads, showcasing its diversified app portfolio.

• E-commerce Battleground: Meesho emerged as the leader in the social commerce space with 35.8 million active users, leaving Flipkart's Shopsy behind.

OTT: Streaming Wars Heat Up:

• Disney+ Hotstar Maintains Lead: Disney+ Hotstar remained the undisputed king of streaming with over 67 million active users.

• Netflix Makes Ground: Netflix closed the gap, boasting over 16 million active users, indicating its growing popularity in India.

• Amazon and Zee5 in the Fray: Amazon Prime and Zee5 also secured considerable user bases, demonstrating the diversity of content preferences.