Facebook Messenger has topped the first UK App Annie Index for Downloads as the forced migration to Messenger that was trialled in Europe spreads to the rest of the world.

Over the course of the next week, Facebook users around the world will be forced to download the standalone Messenger app as the social network stops allowing messaging in its main iPhone and Android apps. The forced migration was initially started in Europe in April but after seeing “positive results” in engagement, it is rolling out the app globally.

Facebook users on mobile web, iPad, feature phone, Windows Phone, Paper and desktop will still be able to message in the main Facebook app or site like before, but it is expected that the forced migration will carry on to encompass at least some of these platforms.

According to Facebook, people using the Messenger app respond around 20 per cent faster, and send more photos, group messages, videos, stickers and audio clips while using Messenger.

The forced migration has helped send Facebook Messenger to the top of App Annies first index of the UKs most popular apps. It topped the charts for downloads on both iOS and Android platforms, and Facebook ranked as the most popular company by downloads on iOS, and by both downloads and revenue on Android.

The World Cup had a large impact on the index, which was measured in June, with FIFAs Official app, the ITV Player and BBC Media Player making gains on the download charts. Mainstays like Skype, Spotify, WhatsApp and Instagram remained high in the download charts.

Looking at the revenue charts, there was less movement among apps, although the World Cup continued to show through, with Sky Sports Mobile TV appearing on both iOS and Android charts. Newspaper apps made a strong showing on the iOS chart, with The Guardian, The Times and The Telegraph all placing in the top 10. The iOS and Android revenue charts were a lot more diverse than downloads, with only the Sky Sports app appearing on both platforms lists.