2025 ASO Report: Keyword trends, category insights, and top-ranking apps in the US storefront

Productivity

• ChatGPT offers AI-powered conversational assistance, helping users with tasks like writing, brainstorming, and problem-solving. Its ranking is driven by the growing adoption of AI productivity tools and its wide range of applications.
• Gmail remains the leading email service due to its seamless integration with Google Workspace, strong security features, and efficient organization tools.

• Although a music app, YouTube Music ranks under productivity due to its use in background listening while working. Its ranking is influenced by its extensive music library and integration with Google services.

• VPN – Super Unlimited Proxy apps like this rank high due to increased user concerns over online privacy, security, and unrestricted browsing.

• Microsoft Outlook is widely used for professional communication and integrates seamlessly with Microsoft services, making it essential for business productivity.

• Habit Tracker helps users build positive routines and improve time management. This app ranks well due to increasing interest in self-improvement.

• Google Drive ranks highly for cloud storage and document collaboration, with strong integration across Google’s ecosystem.

• X-VPN – Super VPN & Best Proxy is another VPN service ranking highly due to demand for secure browsing and geo-restriction bypassing.

• Structured – Daily Planner is a growing app in the productivity category, Structured offers task management and scheduling solutions.
• CamScanner provides mobile document scanning, OCR capabilities, and cloud storage, making it an essential productivity tool.

Social Networking

• WhatsApp Messenger is a globally popular messaging app that allows text, voice, and video communication. It dominates social networking rankings due to its massive global user base and keyword optimization around “free messaging,” “end-to-end encryption,” and “group chats.” Frequent app updates improve security, while in-app promotions highlight new features like multi-device support.
• Telegram Messenger is a messaging app known for its speed, privacy features, and group chat capabilities. It ranks highly for “secure messaging,” “cloud-based chats,” and “encrypted conversations.” Its ASO strategy benefits from major updates introducing new privacy settings, media compression features, and large-group capabilities.

• Facebook remains a leading social networking app due to its strong brand presence and ASO optimization for “social media,” “friends and family,” and “live streaming.” Constant feature enhancements, including AI-driven content suggestions and marketplace expansions, contribute to its high retention.

• The standalone Messenger app benefits from keyword optimizations around “instant messaging,” “video calling,” and “chat with friends.” Its ASO ranking is further strengthened by seamless Facebook integration and in-app promotions for new features.

• TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited is a VoIP-based messaging app ranking high for “free calling,” “unlimited texts,” and “Wi-Fi calling.” ASO benefits from referral-based promotions and aggressive marketing targeting budget-conscious users.

• Discord ranks highly due to its ASO focus on “voice chat,” “gaming communities,” and “private servers.” Seasonal in-app events, frequent feature expansions, and strong engagement from content creators help maintain its visibility.

• TextFree: Text + Call Number is a free texting app that ranks well for “free SMS,” “texting without SIM,” and “burner phone numbers.” ASO improvements include strong app store metadata optimization and promotions during major holidays when demand for temporary numbers rises.

• MeetMe – Meet, Chat & Go Live is a social discovery app ranking for “meet new people,” “live chat,” and “dating app alternative.” Seasonal app events and feature expansions, such as live video chat improvements, help boost retention and engagement.

• Grindr ranks highly due to keyword optimizations for “LGBT dating,” “gay chat,” and “meet LGBTQ singles.” Its ASO success is driven by targeted advertising, Pride Month campaigns, and city-specific app promotions.
• Text Me – Phone Call + Texting is a multi-functional communication app ranking well for “second phone number,” “text free,” and “free international calls.” Its ASO strategies include feature-based updates and push notifications that promote limited-time offers on premium services.