In Episode 45 of the Thought Media Podcast, hosts Ava and Max explore the global AI app landscape as of April 2025 — where ChatGPT continues to reign supreme with over 546 million monthly active users. According to recent data from RankingRoyals and Backlinko, the mobile AI app market is now valued at $2 billion and expanding rapidly, driven by both Western and Asian innovation.
While ChatGPT leads by an overwhelming margin, the hosts highlight how Asia-based platforms like Quark, Doubao, and Yuanbao are rising quickly, reflecting China’s growing dominance in the AI space. This trend signifies a shift from Western-led innovation toward a more globally balanced ecosystem. Ava and Max discuss how cultural and linguistic customization has given Asian AI developers a competitive advantage, particularly in user engagement and regional adoption.
The conversation also dives into user demographics, revealing that nearly 45% of ChatGPT users are under 25 years old, with another 25% aged 25–34. This generational insight shows how younger users are driving mass adoption — not just for work or education, but for creativity, social interaction, and entertainment.
The hosts emphasize how new apps like Character.ai, Genius AI, Grok, and Kimi are transforming how people interact with artificial intelligence, from personalized companions to productivity tools. Together, they’re shaping what daily AI usage looks like in 2025.
Ultimately, Ava and Max conclude that we’re witnessing a new phase of global AI evolution, where the competition between East and West is accelerating progress across industries. Whether it’s ChatGPT or the next breakout app, one thing is clear — AI is no longer a niche tool. It’s a mainstream technology used by hundreds of millions worldwide, transforming the way we learn, create, and connect.