Never Mind Kylie Jenner. Snap Downloads Are Up…and So Are Its Shares

Some may disapprove of its redesign, but Snap (SNAP) downloads -- and its stock -- are up.

Shares of Snap jumped nearly 6% in early trading to $17.24 on a report that it remains in the top-10 overall apps by downloads on the Apple (AAPL) App Store and Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google Play in the U.S.

The social media platform, which is particularly popular among millennials, also ranks in the top-5 photo and video apps, says data firm App Annie.

Downloads of Snap's Snapchat app soared 41% in the U.S. the week following its Feb. 6 redesign rollout, compared to the previous week, according to data from Sensor Tower provided to TechCrunch.

Snap has maintained strong downloads despite criticisms over a new interface that was intended to make the app easier to use. The design condenses interactions with friends on one screen, content with celebrities and brands on another.

That prompted outcry from customers, including reality TV star Kylie Jenner, which may have contributed to a one-day 7% stock plunge and defections to Facebook's (FB) Instagram platform.

Snap Chief Executive Officer Evan Spiegel has downplayed the redesign flap. At a recent conference, he said complaints "reinforce" the company's new philosophy.

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