Google messages hits 10 billion installs, dominating global messaging

The Google Messages app has officially crossed the 10 billion install threshold on the Google Play Store, signaling its dominance in the rapidly evolving messaging landscape. Just five years after reaching 1 billion installs in May 2020, the app now boasts over 10 billion installations, averaging a staggering 4.18 million daily installs since May 4th, 2020.

This milestone underscores the shift away from carrier-specific messaging apps, a trend accelerated by Google's introduction of Rich Communication Services (RCS). Major carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon have largely abandoned their proprietary messaging platforms in favor of Google's RCS.

Rcs adoption fuels explosive growth

The surge in Google Messages' popularity is directly linked to RCS, which enhances messaging with features like high-quality image sharing and read receipts across both iOS and Android. Apple's adoption of RCS in 2024 further solidified the platform’s position, allowing for seamless communication between platforms.

Globally, Google Messages processes over 14 billion RCS messages daily. In the U.S. alone, the app handles 1.1 billion RCS messages each day. The app also boasts a massive 110 million daily active users in the U.S. and over 750 million worldwide.

This achievement places Google Messages in elite company. The Google Play Store lists several other Google apps with over 10 billion installs, including YouTube, Google Search, Google Photos, and Gmail. The YouTube app was the first Google-developed application to reach this milestone, a testament to its widespread appeal. Google Maps and Google Search followed closely behind.

It's worth noting that the install count on the Play Store reflects installations on devices with a Google account activated. A device sitting unused doesn't count.

The Phone by Google app has also surpassed 5 billion installs, indicating Google’s continued investment in the mobile experience. This comes as the company continues to refine its messaging platform with features like real-time location sharing. For those without the app, it's readily available on the Play Store.

The sheer scale of these numbers paints a clear picture: Google Messages has not only survived but thrived in the competitive messaging market. The trajectory is undeniable.