Tech giants dominate the app charts, and Snapchat is a rare exception

Advertisement

When Snap Inc (née Snapchat) unveiled its video camera-equipped Spectacles on Friday, one of the more common reactions was very simple: Why? Why would a startup behind a popular photo sharing app suddenly get into hardware?

Advertisement

Well, as this chart from Statista shows, that app isn't just popular - it's an outlier. Judging in terms of average unique monthly visitors as of this past July, 11 of the top 15 apps in the US come from Facebook, Google, Amazon, or Apple. The only exceptions? Pandora, Pokémon Go (which is already dipping), Pinterest, and, yes, Snapchat, in 14th with 54.1 million users.

At a time when people simply aren't downloading new apps, and when the overwhelming majority of app revenue goes toward the top 1% of publishers, that kind of success isn't easy for a non-giant to maintain. It could also explain why that company feels comfortable selling a product that's most reminiscent of Google Glass.

Complimentary Tech Event
Transform talent with learning that works
Capability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More

snapchat app chart

Statista

NOW WATCH: The most disappointing thing from Apple's big iPhone 7 announcement