As our reliance on digital tools increases, so does the size and complexity of the apps we use daily. A recent study by TRG Datacenters analyzed the file sizes of various apps over the past ten years, specifically focusing on four major categories: communication, navigation, work, and social media. The research reveals significant growth in file sizes, particularly in work-related apps like Asana and Trello, which have seen increases of 1000% since 2014. This article explores these findings, highlights the reasons behind these increases, and examines what it means for users, developers, and businesses.

Overview of the Study

The study aimed to track data volume growth in popular apps over the past decade. By using the Wayback Machine, researchers at TRG Datacenters traced download sizes over time and examined trends in app development. The study also gathered data on the most sold phones from 2014 to 2024, specifically focusing on the photo, video, and non-expandable memory characteristics of these devices. Comparing the storage capabilities of phones with the increasing sizes of apps, the study provides a comprehensive view of how technology has evolved to meet the growing demand for data storage.

Key Findings

1. The Dramatic Growth of Work Apps
Work apps saw the most significant growth in file size, particularly Asana and Trello, which both expanded by 1000% from 5 MB in 2014 to 55 MB in 2024. These increases reflect how these tools have evolved into comprehensive project management platforms, incorporating features such as:

• Collaborative tools: The ability to share files, assign tasks, and collaborate in real-time.
• Integrations: Seamless connections with other work tools like Slack, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office.
• Task-tracking features: Advanced tracking capabilities that allow for greater project management efficiency.

These changes are part of a broader trend in the app world, where users demand more robust functionalities, leading to larger file sizes.

2. Communication Apps Expanding in File Size
Communication apps like Slack and Zoom have also experienced significant growth in file size. Slack, a platform that started as a simple messaging tool, has evolved into a complete workspace communication hub. Its file size has grown by 500%, from 10 MB in 2014 to 60 MB in 2024, reflecting the addition of features like:

• Multimedia messaging: Support for sending and receiving images, videos, and files.
• Third-party integrations: Connections with apps like Asana, Trello, and Dropbox.
• Advanced search: Improved search capabilities for finding past messages and files.

Similarly, Zoom has grown from 15 MB to 65 MB, a 333% increase, due to the platform’s expansion to support high-quality video conferencing, webinars, and virtual collaboration tools. Zoom’s growth in size reflects its pivotal role during the pandemic and its continued importance in remote work and education.

3. LinkedIn’s Evolution into a Media-Rich Platform
LinkedIn, the go-to social media platform for professionals, has also seen a substantial file size increase of 529%. In 2014, LinkedIn’s app was 35 MB, and today, it stands at 220 MB. This growth is tied to LinkedIn’s expanded role as not just a networking platform but also a place for:

• Educational content: LinkedIn Learning offers a vast library of courses for skill development.
• Media-rich posts: Users now share more videos, images, and articles, increasing the app’s need for storage.
• Job search and applications: The platform now includes comprehensive job search tools, company reviews, and job application tracking.

These added functionalities have made LinkedIn more resource-intensive, contributing to its file size increase.

Other Notable Findings

Photo File Size Growth
Interestingly, the average file size of photos has only seen a moderate increase of 217% from 3 MB in 2014 to a peak of 9.5 MB in 2023, before slightly decreasing to 7 MB in 2024. This growth reflects advancements in camera technology and higher image resolution, but the slight reduction in 2024 suggests that software optimization has begun to counterbalance the larger image files.

Video File Size Growth
The file size of videos per minute, however, has surged by 733%, growing from 60 MB in 2014 to 500 MB in 2024. The growth is largely due to the transition from standard definition to 4K and higher-quality video formats, which demand significantly more storage space for each minute of footage. As video content becomes more integral to both personal and professional use, the need for larger storage capacities has increased accordingly.

The Rise of Non-Expandable Memory in Mobile Devices

The study also examined the rise in non-expandable memory in mobile devices. In 2014, the average device had 16 GB of storage, but by 2024, the average had increased by 2300% to 384 GB. This massive growth in storage reflects the rising demands placed on devices by apps, media, and other data. Modern apps are becoming more feature-rich, which leads to larger file sizes, and users now store more high-definition media, which also requires more space.

What’s Driving the Growth in App Sizes?

Several factors are contributing to the rapid expansion in app file sizes:

• Feature Creep: As apps become more complex, new features are continually added to meet user demands, making them larger. For instance, apps that started with basic functionalities, like Trello for task management or Zoom for video calls, have evolved into full-featured platforms.
• Richer Media: Many apps now support the sharing and creation of high-definition media, such as 4K video and high-resolution photos. This media requires more storage, which in turn increases app sizes.
• Improved Graphics and User Interfaces: Modern apps offer more visually appealing user interfaces, with high-quality graphics and animations, which require more space.
• Offline Capabilities: Some apps now allow users to work offline, which often means they store more data locally, increasing the app’s size on the device.

Implications for Users and Developers

For users, the rise in app file sizes means that more storage is needed on mobile devices and computers. As apps become more resource-intensive, users with older devices may struggle to find enough space for all the tools they need. Additionally, larger apps can lead to slower performance, especially on devices with limited RAM or older processors.

For developers, the growing file sizes of apps present new challenges in optimizing performance and storage. While users expect rich features and high-quality media, they also expect apps to run smoothly and not consume excessive storage. Balancing these demands requires careful optimization and innovation.

The Future of App Development

As we look to the future, there are several trends that could influence how app sizes continue to grow or stabilize:

• Cloud Integration: More apps may move data storage and processing to the cloud, reducing the amount of data stored locally on devices. This could help mitigate the rise in app sizes.
• Data Compression: Advances in data compression techniques could allow apps to store more information in less space, helping to manage file size growth.
• Modular Apps: Some developers are exploring the idea of modular apps, where users can download only the features they need. This approach could keep file sizes more manageable while still offering robust functionality.

Conclusion

The study highlights how much work apps have expanded in file size over the past decade, driven by increasing user demands for richer features and better performance. While the growth in non-expandable memory in devices has helped accommodate these larger apps, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. As developers continue to push the boundaries of what apps can do, balancing size and performance will be key to ensuring a positive user experience.