Worldwide Consumer GenAI Users Forecast, 2025–2029

This IDC study presents the worldwide forecast for the number of consumers using generative AI (GenAI) with users defined as consumers who use a GenAI app, service, or feature at least monthly with some level of active intent to engage with the functionality. This includes GenAI-powered search, a dedicated GenAI app, a feature built into another consumer app, a GenAI tool within a social media app, and GenAI-powered content creation tools. The forecast segments paying and nonpaying consumer users."Billions of consumers are already using GenAI, thanks to its integration into a wide range of online consumer experiences," says Greg Ireland, senior director, Consumer Markets and GenAI for Content Creators and Consumers at IDC. "A challenge for vendors will be to differentiate services to attract and retain consumers and grow revenue generation through subscription or other business models."