2019 was an impressive year for mobile apps in general. The biggest reason is definitely the further increase in number of people that use smartphones. Furthermore, as the functionality of smartphones like improved internet coverage and heart beat trackers are introduced, mobile apps are also further improved to accommodate these functionalities. It is also worth noting that many of these apps in the top 10 mobile apps by downloads in 2019 list were also in the 2018 list. However, they have all seen major upgrades and come with many new functions. Now, that that is cleared, lets dive into the list!
- Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is a basic chatting app that builds up on the social media platform Facebook. Facebook Messenger has topped the charts for a very long time now. Most of its success is definitely attributed to the massive number of users that use Facebook itself. This includes both individuals and businesses. It started Facebook Chat in 2008 and was revamped into Facebook Messenger in 2010. Countries like Australia use Facebook Messenger as one of the more prominent messaging apps. With a total of 1.3 billion users, Facebook Messenger easily tops the list of top 10 apps by downloads in 2019. Facebook Messenger is totally free and doesn’t have a paid premium subscription.
Facebook has a larger number of monthly users as compared to Facebook Messenger at 2.45 billion. The reason being that one needs to have Facebook to use Facebook Messenger but not the other way around. However, this list is for the number of downloads in 2019 and this only counts new downloads. The number of monthly users also includes both desktop and mobile users. Nonetheless, Facebook is easily one of the go-to apps that people use when they have time to spare along with Instagram and WhatsApp. Facebook is entirely free but some apps and games on the Facebook platform may require payment.
- WhatsApp Messenger
Everybody knows WhatsApp. It is the world’s most popular mobile chatting app. Although it started as an entirely text based chatting app, it eventually added on phone and video call functions to its arsenal. These functions together have rendered SMS and phone call uses by telecommunication companies almost useless. WhatsApp also allows for use on a desktop but a mobile phone and functioning contact number is mandatory for use. None of the other chatting apps have come even close to competing with WhatsApp. Whatsapp is entirely free and has been acquired by Facebook.
- TikTok
TikTok came as quite a surprise to many. It was a direct competitor to Vine (that has since been shut down) and even Instagram. It is a simple video sharing app based in China but was targeted for markets everywhere outside of China. It is usually used to create comedy to talent videos. It has been considered a type of modern karaoke especially its acquisition of US-based app ‘Musically’. TikTok is has been growing at a very impressive rate and from the looks of it is not going to stop any time soon.
Instagram has been around for a while now. Instagram is a photo-sharing social network app that is also mainly used on mobiles. You can access Instagram via desktop but functionalities are limited. Its introduction of the stories function posed as a direct competition to Snapchat. It also added filters function to its app and this made it almost no different from Snapchat. But Instagram already had a much larger user database. Instagram’s constant adaptability and promise to keep it totally free has been the driving factor behind its success. Instagram does not have any paid or premium features and is free for everyone.
- SHAREit
SHAREit is an impressive files haring application that needs nothing more than 2 Wi-Fi compatible devices and of course files that you want to share between the 2 devices. It is totally free and does not have a limit as to how many files or size that you can transfer. The app itself was developed by Lenovo and has been used by many for the single purpose of file sharing. Unlike most of the other mobile apps that made it on the list, this application is not a social networking site or an entertainment site. It is famous for how much it improves productivity. This is a must have for anyone that is looking to make file sharing among devices and others almost effortless.
- Likee
Likee, formerly known as LIKE is a video creation and sharing platform. It has a like funciotn that is similar to Instagram and also has a level up function. Once users achieve level 35, they will be able to go live. It also has a hashtag search option and this can be very useful if you are looking for specific content on the application. Likee has been growing very quickly and is considered a direct competitor to both TikTok and Instagram.
- Snapchat
Snapchat is best known for its self-destructing video function. This function has gain traction in both positive and negative light. Nonetheless, despite heavy competition, limited functionality and relatively small monthly user base, Snapchat is still on the top 10 list by most number of downloads. Snapchat has updated its User Interface multiple times since its start but has minimal updates to its functionalities. Snapchat may have made it to this list quantitatively but unless it revamps itself, may be giving into its close competitors like Instagram, TikTok and even Likee. Snapchat does not have a paid premium service but content creators can charge for paid content.
- Netflix
Netflix is a stranger to no one. From desktop to television and even mobile, this app has conquered it all as a movie streaming application. Back when Netflix started, it was a competition to none other than Blockbuster. Blockbuster has since been disappearing but other competitors like Amazon Prime, Hayu and Disney Plus. Netflix still dominates the market but Disney plus is coming very close. Disney Plus did not make it to the list because it was introduced the final quarter of 2019 and did not rake up enough downloads. Thus, 2020 would a very interesting year to look forward to for the competition between Netflix and Disney Plus. Netflix requires a basic paid subscription of $9.99 per month but offers 3 months free trial to new users. Its premium paid subscription allows users to enjoy higher quality shows and movies. It also allows for user to play on more screens.
- Spotify
Spotify has once again made to the list despite being a close competitor to Apple Music. The pros and cons between Spotify and Apple Music has been discussed for a long time now and there are no clear winners. Spotify is an app that allows you to stream music and store them offline if you have a paid subscription. It charges $9.99 USD for a single player and $14.99 for a family plan. Spotify also offers 3 months free premium as a gateway to attract more people to the music subscription service. This is similar to Netflix and Disney Plus. Spotify has also introduced other audio services like podcasts and these have been received very well.
Conclusion
For any application, making it to this list is considered a pretty big deal. Apps help to further enhance the gifts that smartphones have brought us. Apps come from every part of the world and also comes in multiple languages. It is also unsurprising that all the apps on the list are free to download although apps like Netflix are useless without a paid subscription. It is very rare that data will show that a paid app from the app store would make to a list like this. Many apps have come and gone over the years but many on this list are huge companies that are dominating the applications market. 2020 is coming up and it is going to be a very exciting year to see how many of them will stay on the list. Merry Christmas and Happy New year!
