Apps of large groups tend to have an edge over rising startups because of their reach across categories and this was evident in a report by App Annie that listed the most downloaded apps in 2019.
Starting from the top downloaded app, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries has managed the numero uno position followed by the Times Group (Times Internet) and Bharti Airtel in India.
Gaming and entertainment were at the core of all app download activities in India and Reliance maintained a clear lead over others. RIL-owned Jio has over 15 apps available on the Google Play Store.
Gaming apps Million Games and Gametion (developer of Ludo King) are in the top 5 list whereas Timuz, Nazara, ShareChat, One97, and Zomato have made it to the top 10 list, mentioned the report.
In terms of monthly active users or MAU, edtech, fintech, and shopping apps have led the show. While edtech primarily comprises e-learning apps, online dictionary-cum-multilanguage translator app U-Dictionary emerged as the category leader.
After U-Dictionary, Unacademy, Udemy, Byju’s and Gradeup managed to get into the top five whereas Adda247, HelloEnglish and Google Classroom made it to the top 10 list. The report, however, did not mention the actual number of MAUs of these apps.
When it comes to fintech, Google Pay and PhonePe had maintained their lead and became the top two apps in terms of MAU, respectively.
Google Pay registered 36 million downloads in 2019, a 50% year-on-year growth, mentioned a separate report by App Annie and Liftoff. It also highlighted that India recorded a 95% year-on-year growth in 2019 only behind Indonesia (114%) in terms of downloads.
The third category in MAU is shopping apps where Amazon had retained the top slot followed by Paytm, Flipkart, Myntra and Club Factory. Notably, Paytm was ahead of Flipkart and others in the shopping category. It was also placed at number 9 in terms of overall downloads.
The top 10 shopping apps also include list includes OLX, Snapdeal, Bigbasket, Jabong and Mi Store.
