The number of active monthly users of the commission-free trading app Robinhood grew steadily since 2014, even though the app did not officially launch until mid-2015. The number of users grew from half a million in 2014 up to 17.3 reaching a peak in 2021. While the number of active monthly users now rests at under 11 million, the Average Revenue Per Users (ARPU) has increased. The app’s net revenue did also grow steadily since its official launch, reaching 471 million U.S. dollars as of 2023. Robinhood and the GameStop story Robinhood was a key player in the GameStop story in January 2021, when they restricted the trading of GameStop stocks for a few days. The platform with its commission-free trading is known to be "for the young and poor" and their trading halt caused a lot of anger among its users, who called it market manipulation and claimed the company was helping the hedge funds. Did the GameStop story affect the number of downloads? The number of downloads of the Robinhood app increased markedly in April 2021. The number of downloads grew by almost five times compared to the previous month, reaching around 3.23 million downloads from Google Play Store and Apple App Store in April 2021. This increase show that the app had a central role for the GameStop stocks, where young investors saw an opportunity to make money with commission-free trades.

Downloads of the trading app Robinhood grew over five times between December 2020 and January 2021, according to Google Play Store and Apple App Store figures. The number grew from around 651,000 downloads in December 2020 up to around 3.29 million downloads in January 2021. The reason for the increased number of downloads was that the app played a central role in the GameStop story in January 2021, where young investors saw an opportunity to make money on the GameStop stocks with commission-free trades via the Robinhood platform. Popularity of Robinhood Investors' viewpoints are increasingly turning toward the utilization of technology when investing as the majority of wealth management clients worldwide agreed technology has improved investing decision making and allowed for higher efficiency and reduced costs. Robinhood's ease of accessibility to investors and low-cost business model are contributing factors that allowed them to previously outperformed other leading trading apps in the number of monthly active users on their platform. The future of online trading The total net revenue of Robinhood has continued to increase with a large spike in the fourth quarter of 2020. Despite events such as the GameStop story passing, Robinhood`s revenue has continued to grow. Many traditional asset management firms are also beginning to implement technology in their business operations as the technological move becomes more prominent. The global online trading market is forecast to continue to increase in value in the coming years, leaving opportunity for online trading platforms like Robinhood to expand.

In 2022, Robinhood, probably the most well-known online trading platform and neobroker worldwide, had 23 million net cumulative funded accounts, with 11.4 million active users on average. Robinhood users committed approximately 62 billion U.S. dollars to invest on the trading app.

Based on monthly active users, Robinhood is by far the most popular eTrading app in the United States. As of July 2021, there were over 7.3 million Robinhood users - more than three times the users of second-placed WeBull. User numbers spiked in early 2021, reaching a peak of over nine million in May 2021. The timing of this spike in popularity is likely influenced by the media attention paid to retail investors, generally using eTrading apps, coordinating their activity via social media to drive up the stock price of companies such as GameStop and AMC Entertainment.

Based on monthly active users, Robinhood is by far the most popular eTrading app in the world. As of July 2021, there were over 7.3 million Robinhood users - over double the users of second-placed WeBull. User numbers spiked in early 2021, reaching a peak of over nine million in May 2021. The timing of this spike in popularity is likely influenced by the media attention paid to retail investors, generally using eTrading apps, coordinating their activity via social media to drive up the stock price of companies such as GameStop and AMC Entertainment.

The global stock trading and investing applications market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, rising internet usage, and a growing interest in financial literacy and self-directed investing among millennials and Gen Z. The market, estimated at $150 billion in 2025, is projected to exhibit a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key trends, including the adoption of user-friendly mobile-first platforms, the integration of sophisticated trading tools and AI-powered investment advice, and the rising popularity of commission-free trading. The segment dominated by mobile-based applications is expected to maintain its leadership, further fueled by the convenience and accessibility offered by smartphones. While professional traders continue to be a significant user segment, the market is increasingly driven by individual investors seeking accessible and cost-effective platforms. However, regulatory scrutiny, cybersecurity risks, and the potential for market volatility pose constraints to market growth. Key players like Charles Schwab, Fidelity Investments, Robinhood, and Interactive Brokers are actively innovating to enhance user experience and attract a broader investor base. Geographic expansion, particularly in emerging markets with growing internet and smartphone penetration, represents a significant opportunity for market expansion. The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established financial institutions and innovative fintech startups. Established players leverage their brand recognition and existing customer base, while fintech startups are disrupting the market with user-friendly interfaces, advanced technologies, and innovative pricing models. Future growth will depend on factors such as the continued development of user-friendly and secure platforms, the integration of advanced analytical tools, and the ability to effectively navigate evolving regulatory landscapes. The increasing focus on personalized investment experiences, incorporating AI-driven recommendations and robo-advisory services, will further shape the future of the stock trading and investing applications market. The diversification of offerings, including fractional share trading and crypto asset investments, will also contribute to sustained market growth.

The electronic brokerage system market is experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing adoption of online trading platforms and the rise of mobile-first investing strategies. The market's expansion is fueled by several key factors: a younger generation more comfortable with technology and online finance, the decreasing cost of trading, and the proliferation of sophisticated trading tools and educational resources accessible through these platforms. This accessibility democratizes investing, empowering retail investors worldwide. While institutional investors continue to be significant players, the growth is particularly pronounced in the retail segment, with platforms offering user-friendly interfaces and fractional share trading significantly broadening participation. The shift towards online trading is evident globally, although regional variations exist due to differences in regulatory frameworks, internet penetration, and financial literacy. North America and Europe currently dominate the market, but the Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness significant growth driven by increasing smartphone penetration and a burgeoning middle class. Competition in the market is intense, with established players like Charles Schwab and Fidelity competing with innovative fintech companies like Robinhood and Webull. Future growth will likely be influenced by factors such as regulatory changes, advancements in artificial intelligence-powered trading tools, and the increasing integration of blockchain technology. Despite the overall positive outlook, the market faces challenges. Security concerns and the potential for market volatility remain significant hurdles. Furthermore, maintaining customer trust in the wake of occasional market crashes and ensuring regulatory compliance across diverse jurisdictions present ongoing challenges. The increasing competition among brokerage firms necessitates continuous innovation in product offerings, customer service, and technological capabilities to retain market share. To overcome these challenges, brokerage firms are focusing on enhanced security measures, personalized investment advice through AI-powered platforms, and improved customer education initiatives. This focus on building trust and providing superior user experience is crucial for long-term success within the dynamic electronic brokerage system market. Furthermore, expansion into underserved markets and strategic partnerships will also play a vital role in shaping the future trajectory of the industry.

Users between 35 and 44 were more active on Robinhood than they were on crypto traders or top stock brokers. The number of users of the commission-free trading app nearly doubled in 2021. Younger users, however, were more active on cryptocurrency exchanges than on Robinhood or the websites of traditional brokers. Coinbase ranked as one of the United States' most popular crypto exchanges in 2022 - although Robinhood was also used for such ends.

The micro-investing app market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, the democratization of finance, and a rising demand for accessible investment tools. The market size in 2025 is estimated at $609.3 million. While the provided CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) is missing, considering the rapid expansion of fintech and the increasing adoption of micro-investing platforms, a conservative estimate of 15% CAGR for the forecast period (2025-2033) is reasonable. This suggests significant market expansion, potentially reaching over $2 billion by 2033. Key drivers include the ease of use of these apps, their ability to cater to beginner investors with minimal investment thresholds, and the integration of gamified features that encourage consistent saving and investing. Furthermore, the increasing financial literacy among younger demographics fuels this growth, as they seek convenient ways to build long-term wealth. The market is segmented by operating system (Android and iOS) and application type (personal and enterprise), reflecting the diverse user base and applications of this technology. Competitive pressure from numerous established players like Robinhood and Fidelity, alongside emerging fintech companies, is driving innovation and accessibility within the micro-investing landscape. The geographic distribution of this market is diverse, with North America currently dominating due to higher levels of financial literacy and technological adoption. However, significant growth potential exists in Asia-Pacific regions, driven by increasing smartphone ownership and a young, rapidly growing population. Europe and other regions are also witnessing steady growth, spurred by rising disposable incomes and increasing adoption of digital financial services. Challenges facing the market include regulatory hurdles, security concerns, and the risk of market volatility impacting user confidence. However, continuous advancements in technology, improved security measures, and robust regulatory frameworks are expected to mitigate these challenges and support sustained growth in the coming years. The expanding range of features offered by micro-investing apps, including automated investing, personalized recommendations, and educational resources, contribute to the overall market appeal and continued adoption.

It is forecast that the global online trading market will increase at a global compound annual growth rate of 6.4 percent per year, increasing to an estimated 13.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2026. This is from a base of around 10.21 billion U.S. dollars in 2022. Following the coronavirus pandemic beginning in 2020, online trading activity increased among millennial investors. Many online brokers, including Robinhood, experienced notable growth in the number of platform users from the second quarter of 2020 through to 2021. A low-cost business model, paired with technological integration and social media promotion were contributing factors to the popularity of online trading. What is an online trading platform?
The online trading market is typically accessed through an online market broker, providing a platform for users to track market prices and execute buy and sell orders on financial securities. The user typically holds their portfolio through an online broker. The number of monthly downloads for leading online trading apps spiked in early 2021. While this was influenced by media attention to popular news stories such as the increase in the price of GameStop shares, online trading is expected to continue as an alternative to traditional investment methods. Factors driving online trading The integration of technology has improved investing activities. From a global survey, most respondents stated technology made investing easier, cheaper, and more efficient. The use of technology allowed information such as real-time data, industry and firm reports, and trading notifications to be more accessible directly to the investor. Online platforms had experienced an increase in the number of trades placed per day, in 2019, interactive brokers had an average of 1,380 trades placed per day. This number steadily increased to 3,905 trades per day in 2021. Technological integration allowed trading via online platforms to be an alternative to traditional methods of relying on an in-person full-service broker.

Higher income groups visited Robinhood and cryptocurrency exchanges more frequently than users with a lower household income. Because of this increase in visits per user as income increases - especially among those above 125,000 U.S. dollars - the source believes Robinhood’s offering on zero commission trades could potentially be interesting for users with greater savings and who are exploring active investing. Indeed, the number of users of the commission-free trading app nearly doubled in 2021. The source does not elaborate on the crypto markets, although there are known stories of so-called "whales" - large investors who buy crypto in such high quantities it may offset the price of a particular coin. These whales tend to be companies that deliberately hold on to specific cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin.

How high is the brand awareness of Robinhood in the United States?When it comes to neobanking and neobrokerage users, brand awareness of Robinhood is at 70% in the United States. The survey was conducted using the concept of aided brand recognition, showing respondents both the brand's logo and the written brand name.How popular is Robinhood in the United States?In total, 24% of U.S. neobanking and neobrokerage users say they like Robinhood. However, in actuality, among the 70% of U.S. respondents who know Robinhood, 34% of people like the brand.What is the usage share of Robinhood in the United States?All in all, 22% of neobanking and neobrokerage users in the United States use Robinhood. That means, of the 70% who know the brand, 31% use them.How loyal are the customers of Robinhood?Around 16% of neobanking and neobrokerage users in the United States say they are likely to use Robinhood again. Set in relation to the 22% usage share of the brand, this means that 73% of their customers show loyalty to the brand.What's the buzz around Robinhood in the United States?In March 2022, about 22% of U.S. neobanking and neobrokerage users had heard about Robinhood in the media, on social media, or in advertising over the past four weeks. Of the 70% who know the brand, that's 31%, meaning at the time of the survey there's some buzz around Robinhood in the United States.If you want to compare brands, do deep-dives by survey items of your choice, filter by total online population or users of a certain brand, or drill down on your very own hand-tailored target groups, our Consumer Insights Brand KPI survey has you covered.

As of 2023, the discount online stock broker in the United States with the most brokerage accounts was Fidelity, who recorded around 33.2 million accounts. Of the solely online platforms, the largest was Robinhood, in third place with 13 million accounts. Note that, according to the source, not all brokers disclose the number of accounts they have, meaning that some of these figures are 'guesstimates'.