ChatGPT becomes fastest app to reach 1 billion monthly active users, Sensor Tower reports
By
Kavit Majithia
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Summary
Sensor Tower estimates that OpenAI's ChatGPT reached 1 billion monthly active users in May 2026, making it the fastest app in history to achieve this milestone. ChatGPT surpassed the pace set by Google Maps, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, reaching the threshold three years after its launch. This marks a significant win for OpenAI in the competitive AI chatbot market against rivals like Anthropic.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledResearch company Sensor Tower estimated OpenAI’s ChatGPT crossed 1 billion monthly active users (MAUs) on its app in May 2026, becoming the fastest in history to reach the number.
Sensor Tower found ChatGPT beat the pace set by other popular apps including Google Maps, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube in hitting the 1 billion threshold, a milestone coming three years after launch.
The number represents a win for OpenAI in the battle for AI chatbot supremacy, with ChatGPT competing with the likes of Anthropic
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