2020 Most Downloaded Apps: Even as the short video platform TikTok remained in news this year because of security reasons and its subsequent ban in India, the platform has emerged as one of the most downloaded apps in 2020. As per the report from analytics firm App Annie which covers global markets, TikTok, which is currently banned in India, is the most downloaded app in 2020 globally on both Android and iOS. Also Read: Sundar Pichai Apologises As Controversy Over Firing Google’s Top AI Researcher Flares Up Questions Of Racism


The short video platform also went on to beat the social media giant Facebook to become the most downloaded app of this year. Facebook comes second after TikTok and messaging app WhatsApp takes the third spot followed by Zoom and Instagram. Last year, TikTok was the second most downloaded app globally.

App Annie predicts that in 2021 TikTok will break the 1 billion monthly active users (MAU) club. The report highlighted, “TikTok’s tidal wave continued throughout 2020 — particularly as content-hungry consumers flocked to the app to create, socialize and stay entertained — even increasing its cross-app usage with major video streaming players like Netflix, indicating that TikTok is not only blurring the lines between social and streaming but is a force to be reckoned with in the streaming world in its own right and is set to break into the 1 billion monthly active user club in 2021.”

Which other apps were most downloaded?

As per the report, Zoom also gained wide popularity in the year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The video calling application position reportedly climbed up 219 spots to become the fourth most downloaded app globally. The report also highlighted that Google Meet was one of the most downloaded apps this year and stood out in terms of downloads.

Why is TikTok banned in India?

India has banned TikTok along with other Chinese apps citing national security reasons. The ban led to popularity of indigenous short video platforms such as Chingari, Moj, ShareChat, among others. In India, TikTok had millions of users using the platform actively. The TikTok ban came as a surprise to TikTokers stars in the country.