630M Users Embrace AI Plugins: A New Growth Path for Apps
AI Plugins Surge: 630M Users Reshape App Ecosystem
Since DeepSeek ignited China's AI boom earlier this year, AI integration has accelerated across internet platforms. According to QuestMobile's latest report, AI application plugins have emerged as the fastest-growing segment in a crowded market.
Market Segmentation: Four Tiers Emerge
The AI application market has crystallized into distinct tiers:
- Tier 1: AI search engines and comprehensive assistants
- Tier 2: AI social tools and professional consultants
- Tier 3: Efficiency office and image processing tools
- Tier 4: Niche areas like creative design and education
Plugin Dominance: Outpacing Native Apps
June 2025 data reveals:
- 630M mobile plugin users (+50M since March)
- 570M native app users (-20M)
- 180M PC web app users (-30M)
Key drivers include:
- Seamless integration with existing apps
- Stable outputs from large language models
- Baidu AI (9.6% usage) and Quark AI (56%) lead adoption
The Lightweight Advantage
Plugins succeed through:
- Zero-installation access within host apps
- Context-aware functionality during normal use
- Lower development costs than native apps
- Faster deployment in competitive markets
Case Study: Weibo ZhiSou's Success
The microblogging platform demonstrates effective plugin strategy:
- Integrated DeepSeek-R1 model in February 2025
- Leveraged Weibo's 599M MAU user base
- Achieved 41.7% growth rate, reaching 61M MAU
- User retention: 36.6 monthly uses per user
The platform's success stems from deep ecosystem integration and robust AI capabilities.
Key Points:
- AI plugins now surpass native apps in user count (630M vs 570M)
- Lightweight integration drives adoption over standalone apps
- Successful implementations combine platform traffic with strong AI models
- Market has stratified into four clear application tiers
