You may all agree with me that a smartphone without apps is essentially useless, much like a water bottle without water on a hot day! Given that more than 70.3 percent of people worldwide use smartphones and that there are currently over 7 billion of them in use, we thought to look at the top apps people just couldn't live without in 2024. 

Let’s look at some of the apps you probably have in your phone right now!

Instagram

First on our list is Instagram. This app is still the most downloaded in the world, with over 5 billion downloads on the Google Play Store alone. The mix of photo-sharing, videos, and social networking keeps users hooked and brands thriving. This year, Instagram added cool features like advanced AI filters and augmented reality experiences that have caught people’s attention.

Instagram's Stories and Reels have become even more dynamic with the introduction of new creative tools, allowing users to express themselves in more engaging ways. The platform's focus on e-commerce has also expanded, with seamless shopping experiences integrated into posts and Stories, making it easier for users to purchase products directly from their favorite creators and brands.

TikTok

TikTok took the digital scene by storm in 2020 after being released in 2016. This app reigned as the most popular app in the years 2020, 2021 and 2022 consecutively. In June 2024, Tiktok was the most downloaded iOS app at 15 million downloads that month. Its short videos have turned into a cultural sensation, driving trends and viral content faster than ever. The app's algorithm keeps improving, delivering personalized content that keeps users engaged. This year, TikTok rolled out better editing tools and collaborative features for creators.

Despite the potential ban on TikTok in the US, the app continues to roll out exciting updates. TikTok’s live streaming feature has taken off, providing influencers and brands with a real-time way to connect with their audience. The app's powerful analytics tools give creators insights into their content performance, helping them tailor their videos for maximum engagement. TikTok has also introduced new monetization options, enabling creators to earn more from their content.

Facebook

With over 100 million downloads in the 1st half of this year, Facebook is still a key player for connecting people and businesses. This year, it focused on more immersive experiences, like virtual reality hangouts and interactive shopping, keeping it relevant in the digital world.

Facebook has enhanced its Groups feature, making it easier for users to connect over shared interests. Its marketplace has seen significant growth, offering a platform for buying and selling with ease. Additionally, Facebook's push into the metaverse with Horizon Workrooms and Horizon Worlds is setting the stage for new ways of interacting in a virtual space.

WhatsApp

WhatsApp remains the go-to messaging app, with over 180 million downloads in 2024. Known for its security and ease of use, WhatsApp added features like disappearing messages and multi-device support this year, making personal and business communication even better.

WhatsApp has improved its voice and video calling capabilities, allowing for higher quality and more stable connections. The app's business tools have expanded, offering features like catalog browsing and quick replies, making it a valuable tool for small businesses and customer service.

CapCut

CapCut has become a favorite for video editing, and it has the numbers to prove that. The app boasts of over 1B downloads since it launched. The app offers user-friendly editing tools that are a hit with TikTok creators. Recent updates include advanced effects and transitions, letting users make professional-quality videos right from their phones. While the paid version was introduced at full scale in 2024, Capcut is still thriving in the editing space. 

CapCut's integration with social media platforms allows users to share their edited videos seamlessly. The app also offers a library of music tracks and sound effects, giving creators more options to enhance their content. CapCut's intuitive interface and powerful editing capabilities have made it a go-to tool for both amateur and professional video editors.

Telegram

With over 120 million downloads in 2024, Telegram, which is known for its strong security features, has remained on our list of top apps of 2024. It’s grown a lot this year, focusing on privacy and large group chats. New features include better encryption and customizable chat themes, which users who value security love.

Telegram's cloud-based messaging ensures that users can access their messages from any device. The app's bots and automation tools provide additional functionality, such as reminders and news updates. Telegram's channels have become a popular way for influencers and organizations to broadcast messages to large audiences.

Snapchat

Snapchat keeps users engaged with its unique features, earning over 100 million downloads in the first half of this year.  The app’s disappearing messages and creative filters make it fun. This year, Snapchat introduced augmented reality lenses and interactive stories to boost user creativity.

Snapchat's Discover section offers curated content from publishers and creators, providing a diverse range of videos and articles. The app's Snap Map feature allows users to see where their friends are and explore snaps from around the world. Snapchat’s emphasis on privacy and ephemeral content continues to resonate with younger audiences.

Temu

Temu made waves and entered this list with its aggressive marketing and wide range of products, racking up over 300 million downloads in 2023. This year, it garnered even more popularity than its competitor, Amazon Shopping and that is saying a lot. The app now offers personalized shopping recommendations and easy payment options, making it a top choice for shoppers everywhere.

Temu's user interface is designed for a seamless shopping experience, with features like voice search and augmented reality try-ons. The app's loyalty program rewards frequent shoppers with discounts and exclusive offers. Temu's integration with social media allows users to share their favorite finds with friends and followers.

WhatsApp Business

WhatsApp Business is still in the business of helping companies handle customer interactions safely and efficiently. At over a 100m downloads in the first half of 2024, more features like automated messaging and detailed analytics were added, making it a must-have for businesses looking to improve their customer service.

WhatsApp Business allows companies to create detailed business profiles, complete with contact information and a catalog of products and services. The app's automation features help businesses respond to customer inquiries quickly and efficiently. Integration with Facebook and Instagram enables businesses to manage their communications across multiple platforms.

Spotify

Finally, Spotify rounds out the list with over 50 million downloads in the 2nd quarter of 2024. The music streaming giant remains popular due to its huge music library and personalized playlists. This year, Spotify launched podcast video streaming and improved recommendation algorithms to keep users entertained. Spotify's podcast library has expanded, with exclusive shows and video content enhancing the listening experience.

Additionally, Spotify also released the usual Spotify Wrapped this year, allowing users to see the evolution of their music choices. The app's collaborative playlists also allow friends to share and combine their favorite tracks. 

To Sum It All Up, 

The bar has been set high! From social networking and content creation to secure messaging and seamless shopping, these apps have set new standards for engaging online. They've introduced innovative features and provided great user experiences that keep us coming back for more.

Which app is your top app this year?