**The big picture:** New Morning Consult data reveals the app-based economy now includes nearly three in ten U.S. adults, with strong bipartisan support for independent contractor status. This growth signifies a major shift in labor market dynamics. **Why it matters:** Staffing and corporate leaders must understand the expanding contingent workforce and worker preferences to adapt talent strategies and ensure compliance. It impacts talent pools and operational models. **Between the lines:** - The platform workforce has grown to nearly 30% of U.S. adults. - Independent contractor status maintains durable, bipartisan support. - Data from Morning Consult highlights record scale and worker/consumer backing. **Staffing & HR impact:** Staffing firms can leverage this growing pool of independent contractors, but must navigate evolving classification rules to mitigate compliance risks. HR departments need flexible talent acquisition strategies. **The bottom line:** The gig economy's scale and worker preference for independence are undeniable forces shaping the future of work.