DeepSeek App Holds Top Global Spot In Downloads, Led By India

The rapid rise of the DeepSeek app has made waves in markets worldwide. This mobile application has recently become the most downloaded app across 140 different regions, with India leading as a primary contributor to its growth.

DeepSeek's Ascendancy

Launched in early January 2025, the DeepSeek app achieved remarkable success by swiftly reaching the top of Apple Inc.’s App Store rankings on January 26. Since then, it has maintained its number one position globally, according to data from Appfigures, which does not include third-party stores in China. An impressive 15.6% of all downloads have come from India, showcasing the country's significant role in its adoption.

Comparative Success in the Market

Despite being released for free, the DeepSeek app has amazed users and critics alike with its performance, able to compete with leading AI chatbots while requiring much lower investment resources. It has also claimed the top spot on Alphabet Inc.’s Android Play Store in the United States as of January 28, according to Sensor Tower. With 16 million downloads achieved within the first 18 days, this figure is almost double the initial 9 million downloads garnered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT upon its launch.

Challenges Ahead

While DeepSeek has enjoyed a robust start, it currently has fewer total users compared to ChatGPT. Future growth may face challenges as various governments and organizations are assessing possible cybersecurity concerns linked to the app. Reports indicate that numerous companies and government contractors have opted to block DeepSeek as a safety measure.

Hosting Shift to India

In a significant move, Indian authorities have announced plans to host the DeepSeek app on local servers, a decision articulated by Ashwini Vaishnaw, which may enhance user trust and compliance with local regulations.

Overall, the DeepSeek app signifies a shifting landscape in the AI application market, highlighting India’s pivotal role as a leading contributor to its success.

App, India, Downloads