TLDRs:
- Qwen app grows 149% in November, reaching 18.3 million users.
- Multimodal AI features include research, image creation, and slides generation.
- Developers benefit from Qwen’s strengths in Chinese-language AI applications.
- Alibaba invests billions to expand AI infrastructure and app ecosystem.
Alibaba’s AI app, Qwen, has rapidly climbed the ranks to become one of the world’s most notable multimodal AI tools, according to recent data from Aicpb.com. Launched by the Chinese tech giant, Qwen reached an impressive 18.3 million monthly active users (MAUs) within just two weeks of its public beta, positioning it as the 24th most used AI app globally.
Aicpb.com reported that Qwen’s user base grew by 149% in November, marking the fastest growth among global AI applications tracked. Li Bangzhu, founder of Aicpb.com, highlighted the app’s exceptional performance, though he noted that comparing global growth can be challenging without standardized metrics across regions and platforms.
Record user growth in global AI apps
Qwen’s explosive growth is reflected in both download numbers and app store rankings. In China, the app reached the top three on Apple’s App Store shortly after release, signaling strong domestic demand. Analysts also note that Alibaba’s AI-powered mobile browser and search app, Quark, which incorporates Qwen models, already approached 150 million MAUs worldwide, demonstrating the broader ecosystem’s reach.
While the “fastest growing AI app” claim is impressive, industry observers caution that differences in tracking methodologies make direct comparisons with other global apps complex. Questions remain over whether Aicpb.com counts web usage in addition to app downloads, and how overlapping platforms like Quark factor into user totals.
Multimodal tools attract widespread adoption
Qwen distinguishes itself through multimodal AI capabilities, offering features like deep research assistance, image generation, and automated slide creation. These tools cater to both professional and educational users, providing flexible solutions for content creation and analysis.
This versatility has fueled its rapid adoption, as early beta users quickly embraced the app’s productivity features.
Developers leverage Qwen’s Chinese capabilities
Another key driver of Qwen’s growth is its Chinese-language optimization. Within the first week of public beta, the app recorded 10 million downloads, indicating strong demand for AI tools specifically tuned to Chinese-language tasks. This also presents opportunities for third-party developers seeking to build AI products that integrate Qwen’s models, though access to transparent API terms and commercial agreements remains a potential barrier.
Alibaba has signaled its commitment to supporting developers and expanding the AI ecosystem. The company plans to invest at least 380 billion renminbi (RMB) over three years in AI research, cloud infrastructure, foundational models, and AI-native applications. Alibaba Cloud, the company’s cloud computing arm, currently holds over one-third of China’s cloud market, providing a strong distribution platform for Qwen and related tools.
Alibaba invests heavily in AI expansion
The rise of Qwen highlights Alibaba’s broader strategy in the AI sector. By combining rapid user growth, multimodal AI functionality, and a strong local-language focus, the company is positioning itself as a major player in the global AI market. Industry experts anticipate that continued investment and ecosystem support will allow Qwen to expand its influence both domestically and internationally.
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