As we step into 2024, the number of apps available is truly astonishing. It’s estimated that there are around 8.9 million mobile apps for users to choose from today. While some apps are purely for entertainment and joy, others serve specific purposes, like organization, health, or weight loss. Each app falls into its relevant category, from social networking to gaming to productivity.
In this article, we’ll explore the top app categories in 2024.
Social Networking and Communication Apps
Social networking and communication apps remain at the very top of the most popular apps used today. These apps allow users to connect with one another and share information, no matter where they are in the world. Not only are they useful for sharing status updates, but they’re also fun and engaging. The top platforms currently include apps like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat. Facebook alone has 2.9 billion active users monthly, while Instagram has about 2 billion active users.
Communication apps are not limited to messaging other users, sharing updates, or posting photos. Users can live video stream and use augmented reality filters to further enhance their experience.
Gaming and Gambling Apps
As people continue to use their phones more and more, gaming on the go is skyrocketing in popularity. While some users opt to play video games, others play crypto games, puzzle games, or even wager online at online casinos. The gaming app genre is huge and includes a number of subgenres. For video game players, apps cater to all preferences. Whether a player wants to enjoy a solo mission or immerse themselves in a multi-player title, there’s an app for that.
When comparing available apps to use for online casino gaming, players are not without options. Vlad Grindu notes that most of the top casino apps allow players instant access to their favorite games and allow bettors to play with real money, even on the go. Mobile gaming is an enormous industry. In 2023 mobile gaming revenue was reportedly $90 billion. As more and more players opt to play on the go from their mobile devices, we can expect this genre of apps to continue to grow in popularity.
Entertainment and Streaming Apps
Behind communication and gaming, streaming apps are one of the most used app genres in 2024. These apps allow movie, TV show, and music buffs to watch and listen to their favorite shows or tunes anytime, from anywhere. With popular streaming companies like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney +, and Spotify offering countless titles to enjoy, users can stay entertained for hours.
Netflix has 260 active users watching TV shows and movies while Amazon Prime Video has 230 active users binge-watching their offerings. Spotify has a whopping 574 active monthly users taking advantage of the app’s music and tunes. Streaming apps allow users to stay connected to their favorite media on the go or from home at any time.
Productivity Apps
Productivity Apps help users stay organized, productive, and efficient day to day. Sometimes called utility apps, these apps serve a specific function and are used as a tool, instead of offering entertainment like streaming or gaming apps.
Productivity apps can help users with task management or with note-taking. They can include calendar tools or collaboration platforms. As a growing number of people all around the world start to or continue to work remotely, these apps are becoming increasingly adopted for work, and even in personal life.
The Google Calendar may be one of the most commonly used productivity apps, allowing users to track their schedule and even collaborate with others at the same time. It’s been reported that over 500 million people keep track of their busy schedules using Google Calendar.
Health and Fitness Apps
Although the health and fitness industry has always been popular, fitness apps have seen rapid growth in recent years. This change has been due in part to the rise in wearable fitness tech, like smartwatches that link to health apps and phones.
Some of the most popular health apps include Fitbit, MyFitnessPal, and Nike Training Club. With these apps, users are able to keep tabs on their diets, balance their physical activity, and work toward achieving their fitness goals. For example, athletes can track their performance with Fitbit when they go for a jog, a hike, or even a swim. As technology continues to develop, fitness apps are getting increasingly sophisticated. Now, some health apps use AI-powered coaching and offer workout plans tailored to individual users.
Educational Apps
Users of all ages have begun adopting education and e-learning apps. These apps help users learn new things, like languages, in fun and usually gamified ways. Popular education apps include Khan Academy, Duolingo, and Coursera. Duolingo, for example, is one of the most popular ways to learn a new language. With over 500 million registered users, the app is booming and helping users everywhere learn new languages. Users can learn 48 different languages using the app, each with its own unique course.
Conclusion
In 2024, the number of apps available is astounding, and always growing. Gaming apps offer players a fun way to stay entertained on the go, whether solving puzzles, playing video games, or wagering online. Education apps teach users something new, and fitness apps help users achieve their health goals. Each app offers users a unique experience, and with so many apps available, there is no double that there is truly something for everyone.
