OpenAI’s ChatGPT becomes first AI app to reach 1 billion monthly users in just three years

The ChatGPT app has now crossed a new milestone. The app crossed the mark of 1 billion monthly active users (MAUs) in May 2026. According to a report by Reuters, the data from market intelligence company Senor Tower revealed that ChatGPT has become the fastest app ever to reach the billion-user mark surpassing TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Google Maps. OpenAI launched ChatGPT in 2023 and it has become the flagship consumer product in the generative AI segment. The adoption of ChatGPT has outpaced viral platforms like TikTok, which took about five years to hit the same milestone, and Instagram, which needed nearly eight years. The record underscores how quickly AI has moved from niche technology to mainstream utility.While ChatGPT dominates the market, rivals are gaining ground. Anthropic’s Claude app reached 56 million MAUs, recording a staggering 640% year‑over‑year growth compared to ChatGPT’s 62%. Data also shows that U.S. users who installed Claude spent 5% less time on ChatGPT a month later, signaling competitive pressure in the AI app ecosystem.The milestone comes as both OpenAI and Anthropic prepare for public listings. Anthropic has already filed confidentially for a US IPO, while OpenAI is expected to announce its own IPO in the coming weeks. The billion‑user achievement strengthens OpenAI’s position as it heads into what could be one of the most closely watched tech IPOs of the decade.Recently, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed that Indians have created over 1 billion ChatGPT Images 2.0 since its launch. The company introduced ChatGPT Images 2.0, an updated version of its image generation model, ChatGPT Images in April this year. Announcing the new mode, OpenAI then said that the new model is designed to handle complex image tasks and produce visuals that are more precise and usable. Sharing a post on X recently, Altman wrote: “ChatGPT Images 2.0 (loves) India. Already more than 1 billion images created there; awesome to see”.As mentioned above, ChatGPT Images 2.0 debuted in April. A week after the launch, ChatGPT Images 2.0 became a hit in India. In a press release earlier this month, OpenAI said that India has the highest number of users for ChatGPT’s Images 2.0. “ChatGPT’s latest image model is quickly becoming part of India’s internet culture, especially among young users experimenting with identity, aesthetics, and storytelling online,” the company then said..