Consumer spending on mobile apps hit $32 billion in Q1 2021

Consumer spending on in-app purchases across both Google Play Store and App Store reached $32 billion in the first quarter of 2021 with a 40% YOY growth, making it the biggest quarter ever since records began, according to App Annie’s new report. 

The ongoing pandemic has skyrocketed both app downloads and consumer spending on mobile apps as billions of people around the globe turned to their mobile devices to stay connected with each other. 

Last year, according to the company’s previous report, global mobile downloads surpassed 218 billion and mobile app spending reached $143 billion.

This upward trend still continues as mobile consumers spent $9 billion more in the first quarter of 2021, when compared to the same quarter of the last year. 

While Android users spent $11 billion, spending across the App Store reached $21 billion in Q1 2021.

On Google Play Store, Games, Social and Entertainment categories generated the highest revenue from consumer spending while Games, Photo & Video and Entertainment apps saw the biggest growth on the iOS side. 

When it comes to downloads, Social, Tools and Finance apps saw the biggest growth on the Play Store and Games, Finance and Social Networking apps took the lead on the App Store. 

In addition, on Google Play, Weather apps saw 40% and Dating apps saw 35% increase in downloads, while App Store saw a 25% increase in Health & Fitness apps. 

Also Read: Consumers spent over $3 billion on dating apps in 2020

Top iOS & Android apps of Q1 2021

According to the report, in terms of downloads, TikTok was the No.1 app in the first quarter of 2021, followed by Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, WhatsApp Messenger and Zoom Cloud Meetings. 

In terms of consumer spending, YouTube took the lead in Q1 2021. Popular video-sharing platform was followed by TikTok, Tinder, Disney+, Tencent Video and BIGO Live. 

When it comes to MAU, Facebook ranked #1, followed by WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, Amazon and Telegram. 

Top breakout apps of Q1 2021

In terms of downloads, MK TakaTak was the number 1 breakout app of Q1 2021. It was followed by Signal and Telegram which saw a boost in downloads after WhatsApp’s updated privacy policy which led millions of users to look for WhatsApp alternative apps. 

Also Read: Signal increases Category Rankings by 750 after WhatsApp Privacy Policy change

In terms of consumer spending, YouTube ranked #1, followed by Twitch and piccoma.

Meanwhile, Signal, Telegram and MX TakaTak also dominated the monthly active users listing. 

Top mobile games of Q1 2021

According to App Annie, mobile games generated $22 billion from consumer spending in the first quarter of the year. Apple’s App Store accounted for $13 billion with a 30% YOY increase and Android users spent nearly $9 billion, up 35 from Q1 2020. 

In terms of downloads, Join Clash 3D, Among Us and DOP 2: Delete One Part made it to the Top 3. 

In terms of consumer spending, Roblox ranked No.1, Genshin Impact ranked No.2 and Coin Master ranked No.3. 

In addition, Among Us, PUBG Mobile and Candy Crush Saga were the top 3 mobile games with the most monthly active users.