Europe’s 2025 app market reveals a downloads-revenue gap

ChatGPT and shopping apps led European downloads in 2025, while TikTok, ChatGPT and subscription platforms generated top revenue, reflecting differences between popularity and monetisation strategies.

The mobile app market of Europe in 2025 revealed a distinct divergence between popularity and revenue. AI-driven productivity apps, such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini, dominated downloads, alongside shopping platforms including Temu, SHEIN, and Vinted.

While installs highlight utilizer preferences, active utilize and monetisation patterns notify a very different story instead of merely reflecting popularity.

Downloads for the top apps reveal ChatGPT leading with over 64 million, followed by Temu with nearly 44 million. Other widely downloaded apps included Threads, TikTok, CapCut, WhatsApp, Revolut and Lidl Plus.

The prevalence of AI and shopping apps underscores the shift of tools from professional utilize to everyday tquestions, as Europeans increasingly rely on digital services for work, study and leisure.

Revenue patterns diverge sharply from download rankings. TikTok generated €740 million, followed by ChatGPT at €448 million and Tinder at €429 million. Subscription-based and premium-feature apps, including Disney+, Amazon Prime, Google One and YouTube, also rank highly.

In-app spconcludeing, rather than download numbers, drives earnings, revealing the importance of monetisation strategies beyond pure popularity.

Regional trconcludes emphasise local priorities. The UK favours domestic finance and public service apps such as Monzo, Tesco, GOV.UK ID Check and HMRC, while Turkey reveals strong utilize of national government, telecom and e-commerce apps, including e-Devlet Kapısı, Turkcell and Trconcludeyol.

These variations highlight how app consumption reflects cultural preferences and the role of domestic services in digital life.

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