Meta AI to Launch Standalone App in Q2 2024

Meta AI is poised to become a standalone app, joining the ranks of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, according to CNBC. The company is aiming to launch this new app during the second quarter of the year, marking a significant step in Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg's ambition to establish Meta as a leader in artificial intelligence by the end of 2023.

This move comes as Meta intensifies its competition with rivals like OpenAI and Alphabet. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that Zuckerberg sees this as a crucial year for Meta AI to reach over 1 billion users, positioning it as the leading AI assistant in the market.

Meta AI's Journey So Far

Meta AI was initially launched in September 2023 as a generative AI-powered digital assistant capable of providing responses and creating images based on user prompts within Meta's existing apps. In April, Meta elevated Meta AI to the forefront of its platforms by replacing the search feature in Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger with the chatbot.

Unlocking Deeper User Interaction

Currently, users can access Meta AI through a website and within Meta's apps like Facebook and WhatsApp. However, a standalone app would enable a more immersive and interactive experience for users. As sources point out, this could lead to deeper personalization, customization, and the ability to organize conversational histories with the digital assistant.

Zuckerberg's Endorsement and Monetization Plans

In January, Zuckerberg publicly agreed with a Threads user who suggested creating a standalone Meta AI app, acknowledging the potential benefits of such a move. Meta is also exploring a paid subscription service for Meta AI, similar to OpenAI's ChatGPT and Microsoft's Copilot, offering users access to more advanced features.

Meta's Chief Financial Officer, Susan Li, has indicated that while the focus is on delivering a great consumer experience, there are clear monetization opportunities in the long term, including paid recommendations and premium offerings.

Metrics and Market Share

While Meta AI boasts roughly 700 million active monthly users, as of January, directly comparing its usage with ChatGPT and other rivals remains challenging due to its limited availability as a standalone app. According to data from Business of Apps, the Meta AI standalone website generates less than 10 million views per month.

India stands out as the largest market for Meta AI usage, coinciding with signs of increased retention and engagement on WhatsApp. Zuckerberg has placed considerable pressure on Meta's generative AI teams to enhance their products, including Meta AI, aiming to make it the most-used chat app globally by the end of the year.

The Competitive Landscape

Google and Elon Musk's xAI have also ventured into releasing individual apps for their respective digital assistants, Gemini and Grok, mirroring Meta's strategy. ChatGPT continues to dominate the market as the most popular AI-powered digital app based on app downloads, according to Sensor Tower's State of Mobile 2025 report.

As the AI race intensifies, Zuckerberg has emphasized the importance of Meta's efforts in developing cutting-edge technologies like AI, glasses as the next computing platform, and the future of social media. With a focus on attracting top talent and driving innovation, Meta is determined to solidify its position in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.