AI apps aren’t just a trend anymore—they’re raking in serious cash. In 2024, consumer spending on generative AI apps hit a whopping $1.1 billion globally, marking a jaw-dropping 200% jump from the previous year. Apps like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Doubao led the charge, with people spending nearly 7.7 billion hours glued to these tools.

What’s driving this boom? Experts point to a mix of cutting-edge AI releases, like OpenAI’s GPT-4o, and steady demand for AI-powered features. These apps weren’t just downloaded 17 billion times—they’re sticking around. ChatGPT, for example, hit 50 million monthly active users faster than heavyweights like Disney+ and YouTube Music. Clearly, the appetite for AI isn’t slowing down anytime soon.

But it’s not just AI stealing the spotlight. Streaming apps saw a small dip in engagement, despite more downloads and revenue. Meanwhile, crypto apps like Binance and Tonkeeper climbed into the top 10 finance apps, and e-commerce giants Temu and Shein dominated the retail space with their global expansions.

On the gaming front, Last War, Whiteout Survival, and Brawl Stars joined the billion-dollar club in consumer spending. It’s clear that whether it’s AI, finance, or games, 2024 was a year of big moves in the app world.

Curious about the full story? Dive into the details on the report’s official site. One thing’s for sure: AI apps are here to stay, and they’re only getting bigger.