Whether it’s text, images, or entire pieces of music, AI apps can create content in seconds. But which of these apps are really the favorites among users? Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has examined the 100 most-used GenAI apps for the fifth time. The results show clear trends and new winners.
What are GenAI apps anyway?
GenAI stands for “Generative Artificial Intelligence.” These are AI applications that independently create new content: text, images, music, videos, or even code. They are usually based on large language and image models and are often so easy to use that they inspire millions of people worldwide—without any special knowledge.
The analysis by a16z: How it was evaluated
For the ranking, a16z exclusively evaluated “AI-native” apps that focus on generative AI – i.e., no classic tools with AI add-ons such as Canva or Notion. The top 100 consists of the 50 most popular web apps (by unique visits) and the 50 most successful mobile apps (by active users). The data comes from Similarweb (web) and Sensor Tower (mobile) and reflects developments over the last two and a half years.
The most widely used GenAI apps – a selection
Web apps:
- ChatGPT – The undisputed number one: OpenAI’s chatbot remains the benchmark.
- Gemini – Google’s AI assistant is strongly represented with several new services and is growing rapidly.
- Character.AI – Chats with AI avatars, from celebrities to fantasy characters, are a global hit.
- Perplexity – A rapidly growing AI search engine and knowledge platform.
- Grok – X (formerly Twitter) is banking on its own AI assistant and is rapidly rising in the rankings.
- Midjourney and Leonardo – The best image generators that conjure up fantastic images from text prompts.
- Quillbot – AI text rephrasing, popular with students and professionals.
- Photoroom, Cutout Pro, Veed – Image and video editors powered by AI.
- Eleven Labs – AI for realistic voices and audio generation.
- Civitai, Hugging Face – Platforms for AI models and community projects.
- Claude and DeepAI – Other powerful AI assistants.
- JanitorAI, Pixelcut, Suno (music AI), Doubao, Quark, Kimi – Special apps for chat, images, music, and more.
Mobile apps:
- ChatGPT and Google Gemini – The top dogs among AI assistants, even on mobile.
- Character AI – AI companions are just as popular on the go as they are on desktop.
- Doubao, Quark, Kimi – Chinese AI apps are catching up because Western services are often restricted there.
- BeautyPlus, Meitu, Wink, Airbrush – Image editing made in China – with AI for perfect selfie optimization.
- Photoroom, Remini, Epik – AI tools for photo editing and creative effects.
- Perplexity – AI search is also becoming increasingly popular on mobile devices.
- Grok – X’s AI assistant is growing particularly strongly on smartphones.
- Suno – Music AI for creative sound ideas.
- Replit, Lovable – AI-powered coding platforms with real “vibe coding” fans.
Why are these apps so successful?
The winners score points with their ease of use and genuine added value. ChatGPT & Co. help with writing, researching, learning, and communicating. Creative apps such as Midjourney and Photoroom enable impressive results with just a few clicks. Particularly striking: Many Chinese apps dominate the mobile rankings, especially in the area of photo and video editing. And: “Vibe coding” platforms such as Replit and Lovable show that AI is also becoming increasingly popular with developers.
Trends – What currently characterizes the GenAI app market
- Google is gaining ground: With Gemini, AI Studio, and NotebookLM, Google now has multiple entries in the top 10.
- Strong momentum in China: Apps for the Chinese market are particularly successful due to AI regulations there and are also used globally.
- Mobile is growing: Many AI apps are now mainly used on smartphones – influencers, creatives, and students are the driving force.
- AI for creatives: Image, video, and music generation are the shooting stars of the scene.
- Vibe coding: More and more users are relying on AI-powered tools for programming and developing apps.
What does this mean for you?
The top GenAI apps are no longer just a gimmick. They help you work, learn, communicate, and be creative. If you know the most important apps, you can use them specifically for productivity, inspiration, or new projects. Companies can benefit from AI apps by automating processes and developing new business models.
Conclusion – Key findings
The analysis by a16z shows that ChatGPT remains the top dog, but Google, X, and Chinese providers are catching up. Image and video apps from China dominate the mobile AI ranking. The market is stabilizing, but innovation and new trends continue to drive change. Those who get on board now will experience the change firsthand – and can make targeted use of GenAI for their own benefit.
