AI Usage to Surge with 950 Million Global Users by 2030, Surpassing Earlier Projections

AI usage has rapidly increased, with 350 million users in 2023. Projections now show 950 million users by 2030, 220 million more than earlier forecasts. Annual growth will accelerate for seven years, and by 2031, AI users are expected to surpass 1.1 billion, becoming a global technology powerhouse.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage has experienced explosive growth over the past five years, revolutionising industries and everyday life. From 115 million users in 2020, the global user base has now surged to nearly 350 million. Latest projections suggest that this growth is set to accelerate, with the number of global AI users expected to reach 950 million by 2030; 220 million more than previous forecasts predicted.

In the past few years, AI technology has evolved from a niche tool to a mainstream solution, deeply integrated into sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, retail, finance, and social media. Businesses across the globe are leveraging AI to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making processes, and deliver better user experiences. With the technology now considered essential for organisations worldwide, the number of AI users has surged.

Statista, a leading data provider, initially forecasted that by 2025, 378 million people would be using AI tools, with 65 million new users expected to join that year. By 2030, this number was projected to double to 729 million, marking a major milestone in AI adoption. However, recent data has revealed that the AI market is growing at an even faster pace than anticipated.

Surpassing expectations: New forecasts for AI user growth

In a revision of its earlier projections, Statista now expects the global AI user base to reach 606 million by 2030 — a significant increase of 220 million users compared to previous predictions. According to the latest market analysis, AI adoption will continue to grow at an accelerating rate, with seven consecutive years of robust annual growth.

By the end of 2025, Statista predicts that the number of AI users worldwide will have grown by 65 million, bringing the total to 346 million. The growth trajectory is expected to continue climbing steeply in the following years. By 2026, an additional 78 million people are expected to adopt AI tools, and by 2027, this figure will rise to 95 million. The growth will reach new heights in the coming years, with 115 million new users expected in 2028, followed by 142 million in 2029. In 2030, the AI user base will experience its most significant jump, with 176 million new users coming on board, taking the total number of users to a staggering 950 million.

Global AI adoption expected to surpass 1 billion users by 2031

If these projections hold true, the global AI user base will exceed 1.1 billion people by 2031, solidifying AI as a ubiquitous global technology. This growth would mirror the rapid adoption seen in social media and smartphones, surpassing even early internet adoption rates.

To put this into perspective, by 2031, AI users will outnumber the combined populations of Europe and the United States. If AI’s user base were considered a country, it would rank as the world’s third-largest, right behind India and China. The continued rise of AI signifies a major shift in the way people interact with technology, impacting everything from business operations to daily life.

A future driven by AI

As AI technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into various industries, the pace of user adoption is expected to remain strong. The future of AI looks set to be a transformative one, with continued advancements in AI tools and applications driving widespread global usage. By 2030, AI will be an integral part of daily life for over 950 million people, reshaping how businesses, governments, and individuals operate and interact with technology.

This rapid growth highlights the increasing importance of AI in the global economy and its potential to address complex challenges across various sectors. As AI usage expands, it will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology, business, and society as a whole.