In our fast-paced, always-connected world, millions of people are discovering the Bible as a source of daily hope and peace. The YouVersion Bible App, a free Bible experience that began as a digital ministry of Oklahoma-based Life. Church in 2008 is about to reach a remarkable milestone: one billion installs worldwide.
"When we started this journey, we had no idea what to expect," shares Bobby Gruenewald, YouVersion's founder and CEO. "I was just trying to solve a simple problem: how could technology help me read the Bible more consistently? We never imagined we'd be part of something that millions of people use to grow closer to God every day."
What began as an idea to help people develop daily Bible engagement rhythms has now been installed in every country of the world. After 17 years, the global YouVersion Community continues to grow and engage with Scripture at a rapid rate—and this is only the beginning.
Celebrating a Historic Milestone
In celebration of reaching one billion installs, YouVersion is hosting "Beyond a Billion," an event in Oklahoma City on November 17 at the Paycom Center–home of the 2025 NBA Champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The event will feature powerful worship and inspiring stories from around the world, with special guests like Lauren Daigle, Phil Wickham, Matt Redman, CeCe Winans, Craig Groeschel, Christine Caine, and more. It will celebrate the countless lives that have been transformed by God's Word in communities around the world and look forward to what’s to come. Attendees can expect an uplifting experience that highlights the power of Scripture to bring hope, healing, and peace across all cultures and circumstances.
“This milestone isn’t about celebrating a big number. It represents a billion opportunities for God's Word to meet someone in their moment of need and provide hope,” said Gruenewald. “We have a billion reasons to believe the Bible is just as relevant today as ever, and this moment gives us an incredible opportunity to celebrate the global momentum we’re seeing around Bible engagement.”
A Global Movement
Throughout 2025, people worldwide are engaging with Scripture at record levels. As we approach Global Bible Month in November, that momentum is accelerating.
At YouVersion, the Bible App is opened one billion times every 40 days, and we’re seeing explosive growth in unexpected areas, such as Sub-Saharan Africa and the North Africa, Middle East, and Central Asia region. Even beyond YouVersion, print Bible sales are up, and research shows younger generations are more open to the Gospel than ever before.
“What’s happening globally is remarkable. In a time when people are increasingly unsure about what they can trust, the Bible stands alone as a source of truth that's been carefully carried from generation to generation for thousands of years,” said Gruenewald. “Global Bible Month is an opportunity for the global Church to unite around God's Word and invite people everywhere to discover its relevance for their lives today, many for the first time."
Developing Spiritual Habits Together
As part of Global Bible Month, YouVersion is partnering with organizations like The Chosen, Glorify, Hallow, and BibleProject to encourage people to participate in a 30-day Bible Challenge in November. Participants can engage in whatever way works best for them, including an app like YouVersion or a print Bible. The medium doesn’t matter as much as the daily practice of seeking God through His Word.
"When people make Scripture a regular part of their daily routine, that's where we see real transformation happen. They have more hope, more peace, and more joy. It's the daily Bible engagement that leads to life change," said Gruenewald.
When we started this journey, we had no idea what to expect
Come celebrate reaching one billion installs with YouVersion as they host "Beyond a Billion," an event on November 17 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, home of the 2025 NBA Champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
To sign up for the 30-Day Bible Challenge or to purchase tickets for the Beyond a Billion celebration, visit www.bible.com/billion.