ChatGPT Surpasses One Billion Monthly Users, Becoming Fastest-Growing Global App

ChatGPT has reached a major milestone in the artificial intelligence industry after surpassing one billion monthly active users in May 2026, according to data from market analytics firm Sensor Tower.

The achievement makes ChatGPT the fastest application in history to reach this level of global adoption, highlighting the rapid expansion of generative AI technologies and the intensifying competition among leading developers, including OpenAI and Anthropic.

Sensor Tower data shows that ChatGPT’s growth rate has outpaced major global platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Google Maps in terms of speed of user adoption.

Meanwhile, rival AI company Anthropic continues to expand its presence through its chatbot Claude, which has reached approximately 56 million monthly active users in the second quarter of 2026. The platform has recorded year-on-year growth of around 640%, significantly higher than ChatGPT’s 62% growth over the same period.

The report also noted increasing competition in the AI sector, particularly in the United States, where users who downloaded Claude reduced their use of ChatGPT by about 5% after one month, compared to their previous usage patterns.

The findings come as AI companies prepare for a new phase of expansion. Anthropic has reportedly filed confidentially for a U.S. initial public offering, while OpenAI is also said to be considering similar steps in the coming weeks.