Barcelona, July 30th - Softonic.com, the leading global platform for secure software distribution, has published its semi-annual download report, highlighting key trends observed in the first half of 2024. This report not only provides a detailed analysis of the most popular apps but also explores the reasons behind growth in specific categories, offering a comprehensive view of how users interact with software.

During the first half of 2024, Softonic.com observed a notable shift in user interests and behaviors. Although leading apps like CapCut and Microsoft Word continue to top the list, there is a clear inclination towards creativity and video games. Last year, social communication apps like WhatsApp and Instagram dominated the most downloaded apps list; WhatsApp ranked 6th with 3,381,096 downloads and Instagram ranked 9th with 3,165,651 downloads. However, in 2024, there is a preference for apps that allow users to express themselves creatively and enjoy new forms of interactive entertainment, as evidenced by the increase in downloads of games like Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, Roblox, and Dream League Soccer.

This shift in user preferences is supported by PwC's Global Entertainment & Media Outlook study, which reflects a growing interest in interactive and digital entertainment. According to the study, 29% of consumers plan to increase their spending on home entertainment. This shift is driving a projected growth of 3.9% CAGR for the Entertainment and Media industry, with sectors like video games and E-Sports leading this growth with a 5.7% CAGR.study, which reflects a growing interest in interactive and digital entertainment. According to the study, 29% of consumers plan to increase their spending on home entertainment. This shift is driving a projected growth of 3.9% CAGR for the Entertainment and Media industry, with sectors like video games and E-Sports leading this growth with a 5.7% CAGR.

Additionally, the Softonic.com report highlights the continued growth in interest for video editing apps, with CapCut leading as the most downloaded app with 5,784,509 downloads. This AI-powered tool simplifies the editing process and allows users to create professional videos with just one click, saving time and effort by removing unwanted segments. CapCut meets the demand for accessible and efficient solutions to produce high-quality visual content, a trend driven by video-based social networks like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

Here are the 10 most downloaded apps in the first half of 2024:

Productivity tools like Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop maintain their dominance with millions of downloads, partly because Softonic offers all versions of these programs, including older editions. Unlike other platforms that typically offer only the latest versions, users turn to Softonic to obtain programs compatible with their devices.

Ferran Gavin, Softonic's Director of Catalog and Traffic, commented: “This cultural shift towards creativity and entertainment is shaping how we interact with technology, expanding the possibilities for users to explore and share their interests in more innovative and exciting ways in their digital free time.”

Softonic.com's report reveals a variety of trends in the app market, from continued growth in video editing and productivity apps to the established dominance of popular video games. This analysis from Softonic.com shows a clear evolution in user preferences towards apps that promote creativity and interactive entertainment, highlighting the growing importance of advanced tools and immersive experiences in today's digital landscape.

About Softonic
Softonic is a leading technology company specializing in the secure distribution of software. The company operates the world's most important secure software distribution platform, Softonic.com. Currently available in 18 languages, the platform categorizes, evaluates, and distributes over 1 million programs and solutions for Windows, Android, and Mac worldwide. Every month, more than 75 million people use Softonic.com due to its robust quality controls, which help users download virus-free software.

Founded in Barcelona in 1997, Softonic is also behind other initiatives, including GHacks, a portal for tech users, and Digital Trends, a tech news site. The company currently employs over 90 people from 22 different nationalities. In 2024, Softonic acquired Appvizer, a leading SaaS software recommendation platform dedicated to helping businesses find the best software solutions for their needs, with the mission of simplifying the software selection process. The company now employs over 115 people from 22 different nationalities.