Global Shopping App Downloads Top 5 in Q4 2024: Temu Leads, SHEIN and Amazon Follow

Market Overview

In Q4 2024, global shopping app downloads continued to grow, with Chinese cross-border e-commerce platforms performing particularly strongly. According to Sensor Tower estimates, Temu topped the list with approximately 52 million downloads, followed by SHEIN with 38 million and Amazon with 28 million. Shopee and AliExpress ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.

Key Findings

• Temu: Leveraging ultra-low prices, fully managed model, and social sharing strategies, it led downloads for multiple consecutive quarters, with a QoQ increase of 15%. However, its high marketing spend and losses have also drawn attention.
• SHEIN: Fast fashion positioning and flexible supply chain advantages solidified its second place, but growth slowed to single digits, alongside IP disputes and ESG challenges.
• Amazon: As a comprehensive e-commerce giant, download volumes remained stable, but diversion from emerging platforms was evident, particularly with its near-exit from the Chinese market.
• Shopee: Maintained strong growth in Southeast Asia and Latin America, with Q4 downloads reaching 21 million, driven mainly by Brazil and Indonesia.
• AliExpress: Benefited from the “Choice” channel in Europe and tax reforms in Brazil, with downloads of approximately 18 million, up 10% year-on-year.

Data Notes

Chart data are based on Sensor Tower's estimation model, counting only first-time installs on App Store and Google Play, excluding web and pre-installs. Actual user acquisition may differ. Unit: millions.

Outlook

With easing global inflation and a trading-down trend, low-price e-commerce platforms will continue to benefit. However, Temu and SHEIN face regulatory scrutiny (e.g., EU DSA) and brand upgrade pressures. Amazon and Shopee are building moats through logistics and localization.