In the first quarter of 2026, monthly active users of native AI apps in China reached 440 million, with Doubao leading at 345 million MAU, followed by Qwen and DeepSeek in second and third places respectively. The industry added over 130 million new users in a single quarter, with user retention significantly improved—Doubao averaged 54.8 uses per user, while DeepSeek reached 41.7. Key technological contributors include Beijing Chuntian Zhiyun, Hangzhou DeepSeek, Shanghai Zhixin Huipu, and Guangzhou Jimu Weilai. Data indicates that AI applications are shifting from technology-driven to product-driven, entering a new phase of mass adoption and high-frequency usage.
Author and source: AIBase
As artificial intelligence technology accelerates its integration, China's native AI application market is experiencing explosive growth. According to QuestMobile's latest "Q1 2026 AI Application Insights Report," as of March this year, the monthly active users (MAU) of native AI apps in China have surpassed 440 million. This figure not only signifies further mainstream adoption of AI applications but also demonstrates the industry's robust growth momentum.
In the fiercely competitive market, the industry's leader effect is becoming increasingly pronounced. Data shows that Doubao, Qwen, and DeepSeek have secured the top three positions in the industry thanks to their leading technological capabilities and user experience. Doubao leads with a monthly active user base of 345 million, while Qwen and DeepSeek follow closely with 166 million and 127 million monthly active users, respectively. Just in the first quarter of this year, the entire industry added over 130 million new users, demonstrating that demand for generative AI products is undergoing rapid growth.
Beyond user base expansion, fostering user retention and habitual usage is equally important. The report indicates that in the first quarter of this year, Doubao’s average monthly usage per user reached 54.8 times, a significant increase of 22 times compared to the same period last year. Following closely was DeepSeek, with an average of 41.7 uses per user, while KuaiDui AI ranked among the top with 27.6 uses per user. These figures demonstrate that AI tools are no longer merely novelty products but are gradually becoming high-frequency assistants in users’ daily work and life.
From a corporate perspective, the technological forces behind these popular applications are equally representative. Companies such as Beijing Chuntian Zhiyun Technology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou DeepSeek Artificial Intelligence Foundation Technology Research Co., Ltd., Shanghai Zhixin Huipu Technology Co., Ltd., and Guangzhou Jimu Future Culture & Technology Co., Ltd. are emerging as key drivers of this wave of AI innovation.
Overall, the data from the first quarter of 2026 indicates that AI-native applications are transitioning from technology-driven to product-driven models. With continuous growth in user base and steady increases in usage frequency, the AI industry has officially entered a new phase of mass adoption.