What does it mean to be number one on the App Store?
Last summer, Bria Sullivan was preparing to launch her app, Focus Friend, designed to help people manage screen time. Her ambitious goal was 100,000 downloads. Co-created with Hank Green, a popular creator, Sullivan hoped it might become a top-10 productivity app, knowing the competition included giants like ChatGPT and Google.
Sullivan initially launched the app quietly on the iOS App Store. But in August, with promotion from Green and his brother and media attention, the app soared. It reached the top 10 in its category, then the overall charts, aiming for number one, which seemed unlikely to Sullivan.
On August 18th, Focus Friend was #2. By August 19th, it topped both the iOS App Store and Google Play Store as the most popular free app in the U.S. Sullivan, a developer since 2010, never imagined such success. But the moment was brief. ChatGPT reclaimed its top spot shortly after, making Focus Friend a one-day wonder.
Nevertheless, that day solidified Focus Friend as a “#1 in the App Store” app, now showcased on its website. Being number one is more about the prestige than user numbers or business sustainability.
The phenomenon of apps reaching #1 became fascinating with OpenAI’s Sora app launch, which dominated the App Store for 20 days. The question remains: how significant is being #1, and what does it entail?
In theory, the numbers are huge. Apple reported 850 million weekly users and $550 billion earned by developers since 2008. The App Store had nearly 2 million apps by 2024. Being the top app suggests massive potential.
Since 2012, only 568 apps have been #1 on the U.S. iOS App Store’s free section. Temu has spent the most time at #1, with 399 days. Other frequent chart-toppers include Facebook Messenger, ChatGPT, YouTube, TikTok, and Zoom, forming the App Store’s Mount Rushmore of apps.
Most apps at the top enjoy short-lived fame; 478 of the 568 lasted 10 days or fewer, and 130 were #1 for just one day. The one-day wonders include a wide range of apps, from Taco Bell to Planet Fitness.
For most apps hitting #1, it takes around 200,000 downloads a day, though rankings remain somewhat mysterious. The best chance to hit #1 comes at launch or by offering free incentives like fast-food giants have done.
Cesar Kuriyama, CEO of 1 Second Everyday, discovered his app’s viral moment occurred unintentionally each New Year’s Day. The app gained traction by sharing users’ yearlong video compilations.
The designation of being “#1 on the App Store” is akin to being a “bestselling author” or “Oscar-nominated,” signifying success. It attracts attention and opens doors, even if temporary.
Moore of BeReal notes the transitory nature of App Store success, likening it to social media virality. New users often don’t stick around, so sustainable growth remains crucial.
A surge in popularity can stress infrastructure or evoke copycats, as Alex Chernoburov of Ticket to the Moon experienced with their app Gradient.
In conclusion, reaching #1 on the App Store is desirable but not life-changing. It’s a mark of success and opens opportunities, yet building lasting products and customer relationships is key.
Ultimately, though fleeting, being a #1 app leaves a lasting legacy.