Top 10 Trending Apps in 2025 That Everyone Is Using

 

Ten Must-Have Apps of 2025

1. ChatGPT

Category: AI assistant

Why it's hot: Topped global downloads in both June (50M) and July (52M) 2025, making it the most-installed app worldwide.Backlinko

2. TikTok

Category: Social/video

Why it's hot: One of the most downloaded social apps, with 39M downloads in July. Continues its reign in entertainment.BacklinkoUdonis Mobile Marketing Agency

3. Instagram (and Edits)

Category: Social + creativity

Why it stands out: Instagram remains a top app (38M downloads in July 2025, Backlinko). Plus, its new video editing companion app Edits, launched in early 2025, has quickly gained over 5 million users in its first four days. It offers powerful editing tools like green-screen, AI animation, and seamless integration with Instagram.Wikipedia

4. Partiful

Category: Event planning/invites

Why it's trending: This free invitation and RSVP app, popular with Gen Z, lets users send custom invites, manage RSVPs, poll guests, and even accept payments through Venmo or PayPal. It was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2025.Wikipedia

5. Tandem

Category: Language exchange

Why it's unique: A vibrant global community supporting over 300 languages—including 20 sign languages and even Klingon and Mandalorian. As of early 2025, the app boasts over 30 million users.Wikipedia

6. Loóna

Category: Sleep/relaxation

Why it helps: Combines 3D coloring, storytelling, and soothing soundscapes to help users unwind—a creative blend of health and entertainment recognized as one of the most visually engaging apps.Wikipedia

7. AntennaPod

Category: Podcast aggregator

Why users love it: A fully free, open-source app for Android that manages podcasts seamlessly—with over 1M downloads and very positive reviews.Wikipedia

8. Nintendo Today!

Category: Gaming/events news

Why it’s new & cool: Released in March 2025, this app gives Nintendo fans themed calendars, news updates, game release dates, and event alerts across franchises like Mario, Zelda, Animal Crossing, and more.Wikipedia

9. Student Essentials (TechRadar picks)

Category: Productivity for students

Standouts include:

Microsoft 365, Goodnotes, Grammarly, Canva, Evernote, Duolingo, Adobe Creative Cloud, Prezi, GIMP, and MalwareBytes

These tools cover everything from writing, design, language learning, presentation creation, to device security—widely recommended for 2025 students.TechRadar

10. Top Free iPhone Apps (LifeWire list)

Category: iPhone utilities & lifestyle

Notables:

Bear (note-taking), Magicplan (home design), Tubi (streaming), Instapaper, Edison Mail, Waze, IFTTT, Google Photos, Citymapper, SoundCloud, among others—offering robust features with free access.Lifewire

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Quick Summary Table

App / Category	Why It Matters
ChatGPT	Most-downloaded app globally in mid-2025
TikTok	Social video powerhouse
Instagram + Edits	Largest network + powerful creator editing tool
Partiful	Easy, stylish event planning and invites
Tandem	Language learning for hundreds of languages
Loóna	Artistic, immersive approach to relaxation
AntennaPod	Free, open-source podcast manager
Nintendo Today!	Timely updates for Nintendo fans
Student Essentials Suite	Productivity, creativity, learning, and security
iPhone Free Favorites (LifeWire)	Everyday usefulness across lifestyle and media

Final Thoughts

These ten apps highlight key trends in 2025: the rise of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, strong creative ecosystems with Edits, the blending of productivity and design for students, and niche yet powerful utilities like Partiful and AntennaPod.