According to the latest data, among AI-native applications across the market, Doubao, DeepSeek, Yuanbao, and Ant Afu top the list in terms of weekly active users. Alibaba's Qianwen secures the fifth position, while Lingguang, a general AI assistant launched by Ant Group in November, also makes it to the top ten.

This ranking transcends mere numerical competition in user activity; it also mirrors the distinct breakthrough strategies adopted by internet giants in the AI era.

ByteDance's dominance in the ranking is attributed to its aggressive full-stack layout strategy.

Leveraging Doubao, which boasts 155 million weekly active users, ByteDance has constructed a comprehensive ecosystem spanning from the computing power layer (Volcano Engine) and model layer (Doubao Large Model) to the application and hardware layers.

Its collaboration with ZTE on an AI-native smartphone enables direct integration of the Doubao assistant into the operating system, facilitating task completion without the need to open the app. This "barrier-breaking" approach aligns perfectly with users' demand for efficient interactions.

ByteDance's strength lies in the natural empowerment of its traffic ecosystem. Super apps like Douyin and Today's Headlines provide a substantial user base for AI applications. Its proactive technological integration has granted it a first-mover advantage in the general AI race, with three apps featured in the ranking serving as a direct testament to this ecological momentum.

Ant Group's double inclusions underscore the differentiated value of "scenario deep cultivation."

The health-focused application "Ant Afu" has surpassed 10 million weekly active users, establishing itself as the leader in its vertical field. The general AI assistant "Lingguang" swiftly entered the top ten post-launch, with both products targeting professional scenarios and the general market, respectively.

Behind this success lies Ant Group's consistent investment in research and development, exceeding 10% for three consecutive years, coupled with its long-standing expertise in core scenarios such as healthcare and finance. The "AI Health Manager" connects 5,000 hospitals and nearly one million doctors nationwide, enabling users in third-tier and lower cities to access high-quality medical resources effortlessly. The financial assistant "Maxiaocai" lowers the threshold for mass financial management through precise risk warnings.

Ant Group's breakthrough strategy involves deeply integrating AI capabilities into essential life scenarios and leveraging "practical problem-solving" to drive user engagement. This "scenario + AI" model sets a benchmark for vertical fields.

Behind the ranking lies a new industry pattern where "general and vertical fields compete on equal terms" in the AI race.

ByteDance's aggressive full-stack approach and Ant Group's scenario deep cultivation represent two mainstream breakthrough paths. The former aims to reconstruct user interaction entry points and gain traffic control through system-level permissions. The latter focuses on upgrading existing scenarios and establishing irreplaceable barriers with professional capabilities. Both strategies capitalize on existing ecosystems to implement AI capabilities. ByteDance's traffic ecosystem and Ant Group's service ecosystem are pivotal to the rapid growth of their AI applications.

Of course, this competition extends beyond mere "quantity." As industry experts point out, the core of the AI entry point competition lies in traffic control and business model reconstruction.

ByteDance's system-level layout challenges the survival logic of traditional apps, while Ant Group's scenario deep cultivation explores the boundaries of AI's practical value.

In the future, whether it's ByteDance's full-stack integration or Ant Group's scenario penetration, both will ultimately need to return to user value. Whoever can genuinely lower the usage threshold and address practical needs will secure a strong foothold in the long-term competition.

The QM ranking serves as a mirror, reflecting not only the phased achievements of major companies in the AI competition but also signaling the onset of industry differentiation. ByteDance and Ant Group's differentiated breakthroughs demonstrate that there is no one-size-fits-all answer in the AI race. However, there is a common logic: leveraging one's ecological advantages and identifying users' real needs are crucial to standing out in this entry point competition.

For the entire industry, this healthy competition will ultimately propel AI from "concept hype" to "practical application," enabling ordinary users to truly benefit from technological advancements. (Bai Li)

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