OpenAI’s flagship AI chatbot, ChatGPT, is experiencing an unprecedented surge in growth, cementing its position as a leader in the AI landscape. According to a new report from venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), ChatGPT has more than doubled its weekly active user base in less than six months — a staggering feat that underscores the platform’s rapid evolution and growing impact.
A Meteoric Rise: From Research Preview to Global Sensation
Since its initial release in November 2022 as a research preview, ChatGPT has consistently broken records. It became the fastest app to hit 100 million monthly active users in just two months. By November 2023, the platform reached 100 million weekly active users, and by August 2024, that number had skyrocketed to 200 million.
But the momentum didn’t stop there. In the following months, ChatGPT continued its rapid ascent, reaching 300 million weekly active users by December 2024 and an astonishing 400 million by February 2025. This rapid growth trajectory is a testament to OpenAI’s relentless innovation and ability to keep users engaged with cutting-edge updates.
From Novelty to Necessity: The Evolution of User Engagement
According to a16z’s analysis, ChatGPT’s initial growth was largely driven by curiosity — users eager to explore the possibilities of generative AI. However, as OpenAI rolled out new models and enhanced functionality, ChatGPT transitioned from a novelty app to an indispensable tool for millions worldwide.
The launch of GPT-4o marked a pivotal moment. This model introduced multimodal capabilities, allowing users to interact with ChatGPT through text, images, and voice in a more natural and dynamic way. Usage spiked between April and May 2024 as users explored these new possibilities.
Following this, the introduction of Advanced Voice Mode further fueled growth from July to August 2024, offering users an even more immersive conversational experience. The release of the o1 model series in late 2024 sustained this momentum, driving increased usage from September through October.
Mobile Momentum: Steady Growth on the Go
ChatGPT’s growth has been remarkably consistent on mobile, with the app’s user base increasing by 5% to 15% every month over the past year. As of February 2025, 175 million of ChatGPT’s 400 million weekly active users are accessing the platform via mobile devices — a clear indicator of the app’s adaptability to users’ on-the-go lifestyles.
This sustained mobile growth highlights ChatGPT’s seamless cross-platform experience and its ability to fit into users’ daily routines, whether they’re brainstorming ideas, drafting emails, or learning something new on their commute.
Rising Competition: The Impact of Rivals Like DeepSeek
Despite its dominance, ChatGPT isn’t without competition. The report highlights the rapid rise of DeepSeek, an AI chatbot that climbed to the No. 2 spot globally in just 10 days. By February 2025, DeepSeek had captured 15% of ChatGPT’s mobile user base, with users showing slightly higher engagement levels than those of other competitors like Perplexity and Claude.
However, ChatGPT continues to lead the pack in both unique monthly visits on the web and active mobile users, according to data from market intelligence provider Similarweb. This dominance suggests that while competitors may nibble at the edges, ChatGPT’s continuous evolution and robust feature set keep it firmly at the top.
Insights for Developers and the Future of AI Apps
Beyond user growth, the a16z report delves into valuable insights for AI developers, offering recommendations for tools, libraries, and frameworks to build the next generation of AI-powered applications. It also ranks the top AI apps by category and revenue, providing a comprehensive view of the competitive landscape.
For OpenAI, the path forward seems clear: continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with AI, listen to user feedback, and refine ChatGPT to meet the ever-evolving needs of its growing global community.
As we move further into 2025, one thing is certain — ChatGPT isn’t just riding the AI wave; it’s leading the charge. And with OpenAI’s commitment to innovation, the best is yet to come.
