These are the top apps Gen Z young adults downloaded this year

Gen Z’s influence on app trends is undeniable. Known as the “mobile-first generation,” they make up a significant 40% of mobile users worldwide. Curious about their digital preferences, we recently collaborated with Appfigures to gain insights into the most downloaded apps among young adults in the U.S., ages 18 to 24. While privacy limitations prevented us from gathering data for users aged 13 to 17, this snapshot of the older Gen Z demographic still offers a fascinating view of their app preferences in 2024.

1. Temu: The Top Pick in Shopping

Taking the lead in 2024’s app downloads is Temu, an online marketplace offering a vast array of products at budget-friendly prices. Gen Z adults downloaded the app 41.98 million times between January and October. The draw? Affordable prices across nearly every product category, from fashion and tech to home decor. Despite their dedication to sustainability, Gen Z consumers are captivated by Temu’s discounted options and gamified shopping experience, which features deals, rewards, and freebies.

In comparison, Temu’s competitor, Shein, accumulated 14.68 million downloads. This discrepancy doesn’t necessarily reflect a decline in Shein’s popularity; rather, many users may have already installed the app long before 2024.

2. TikTok: The Reigning Social Platform

Coming in right behind Temu, TikTok tallied 33.23 million downloads, continuing its dominance as a favorite for bite-sized, highly shareable content. TikTok has not only captured Gen Z’s attention with its short-form videos but also evolved into a go-to source for entertainment, trends, and even information, with some young users preferring TikTok as a search tool over Google.

3. YouTube: A Stronghold in Video Streaming

Not far behind, YouTube continues to engage this demographic with 14.03 million downloads, illustrating the platform’s ongoing appeal. Although YouTube isn’t gaining downloads as quickly as TikTok, its role in Gen Z’s viewing habits remains solid, especially for those seeking long-form content, tutorials, and diverse entertainment options.

4. ShortMax: Captivating Gen Z’s Interest in Microdramas

New to the app scene is ShortMax, a unique streaming platform specializing in brief yet engaging dramas, mysteries, and romances. With over 10 million installs by Gen Z young adults this year, ShortMax is tapping into the growing demand for quick, story-driven content that can be enjoyed on-the-go.

5. Meta’s Social Suite: Threads, Instagram, WhatsApp, and More

Meta’s platforms continue to enjoy high engagement among young adults, with Threads leading at 32.32 million downloads. The fresh appeal of Threads and a renewed interest in Facebook—thanks to recent redesigns—seem to be boosting Meta’s traction with Gen Z. Other Meta staples like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger followed closely with millions of installs each.

6. Google’s Utility Apps: A Trustworthy Digital Toolkit

Google’s suite of applications remains a staple, with Gen Z adults downloading the search app 17.65 million times this year. Other Google apps like Chrome (10.19 million downloads), Meet (9.63 million), Drive (7.22 million), and Photos (6.79 million) show a preference for trusted, multifunctional tools that support both school and work.

7. OpenAI’s ChatGPT: A New Student Essential

Gen Z has been embracing AI-driven tools, especially ChatGPT, which saw 24.63 million downloads. Among college students, ChatGPT is rapidly becoming a resource for educational support and career planning. According to Best Colleges, 43% of students admit to using AI tools, underscoring ChatGPT’s appeal to young adults balancing academic and professional demands.

Another educational AI tool, Gauth—developed by TikTok’s parent company ByteDance—secured 8.37 million installs, becoming the second most downloaded educational app for iOS in the U.S. earlier this year.

8. CapCut and Lemon8: Enhancing Social Media Content Creation

The social media experience is about more than just consumption for Gen Z—it’s about creation. ByteDance’s CapCut app has become an essential editing tool, logging 21.72 million downloads. Packed with filters and editing tools, CapCut makes it easy for young users to polish their videos before sharing them across platforms.

Another ByteDance app, Lemon8, racked up 7.7 million downloads. Although growth has been gradual, the app’s visual style—reminiscent of Instagram—appeals to young adults looking for new spaces to share curated content.

9. Social Media Classics: Snapchat, Telegram, Pinterest, and Reddit

In addition to the newcomers, Gen Z is still very much engaged with familiar platforms. Snapchat (19.16 million installs), Telegram (13.12 million), Pinterest (8.23 million), and Reddit (8.06 million) each continue to attract a dedicated user base. Notably, X (formerly Twitter) still shows significant appeal, achieving 7.58 million downloads despite recent changes in branding and platform structure.

10. Streaming Services: Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ in Demand

In the streaming world, Netflix continues to reign supreme among young adults, with 15.67 million downloads. Close contenders include Prime Video with 12.86 million and Disney+ with 11.68 million. Other streaming services, such as Max, Peacock, and Tubi, also saw notable downloads, proving that Gen Z’s streaming habits remain strong.

11. Spotify: Gen Z’s Favorite for Music Streaming

Music is an essential part of Gen Z’s daily lives, with Spotify leading in popularity. The app amassed 10.45 million downloads, reflecting its significant influence over Gen Z’s music streaming choices. With curated playlists, podcasts, and personalized features, Spotify has become an irreplaceable app for this generation.

12. Payments Made Easy: PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App

When it comes to digital payments, Gen Z young adults are turning to familiar names. PayPal leads with 13.92 million downloads, followed by Venmo at 7.8 million and Cash App at 6.9 million. These apps simplify everything from splitting bills to making secure purchases, and they’re essential tools in Gen Z’s financial ecosystem.

The Big Picture: How Gen Z is Shaping App Trends in 2024

Gen Z’s app preferences reflect their unique lifestyle and values. They want easy access to affordable shopping, engaging content, seamless payment solutions, and apps that cater to both personal and professional growth. Their affinity for specific platforms—whether for social media, video streaming, or AI-powered tools—shows how this generation is shaping digital consumption. As we wrap up 2024, these apps aren’t just tools; they’re shaping the very way Gen Z interacts with the world, making this generation a driving force in the tech landscape.