ChatGPT Dominates AI Search Market While Google and Competitors Lose Ground, Reports Reveal

ChatGPT dominates the AI search market with an 80% share, signaling a noticeable decline in traditional search engine usage.

Data from SimilarWeb sheds light on the evolving dynamics of the AI search engines landscape.

ChatGPT now commands an impressive 80.1% of AI search> traffic.

Traditional search engines like Google are experiencing a steady drop in user engagement.

According to fresh data from Similarweb, ChatGPT leads the AI search race with an 80.1% market share.

Over the past six months, OpenAI’s platform has maintained its dominance despite occasional fluctuations.

Meanwhile, legacy search engines are struggling to retain users as AI tools revolutionize how individuals seek information online.

AI Search Market Share: The Current Landscape

The latest figures reveal that ChatGPT’s market share has rebounded to 80.1%, up from 77.6% just a month prior.

• DeepSeek: 6.5% (a decline from 7.6% last month).
• Bard (Google’s AI): 5.6% (a slight increase from 5.5% last month).
• Perplexity: 1.5% (down from 1.9% last month).
• Grok: 2.6% (a drop from 3.2% last month).

These statistics are part of Similarweb’s comprehensive “AI Global” report, which highlights the growing influence of conversational AI platforms over traditional search methods.

Why ChatGPT is Leading the Pack

ChatGPT’s dominance can be attributed to several key factors. First, its conversational AI capabilities provide users with highly personalized and interactive experiences. Unlike traditional search engines, which rely on keyword matching and algorithmic rankings, ChatGPT leverages advanced natural language processing (NLP) to understand context and intent. This makes it particularly effective for complex queries or tasks requiring detailed explanations.

Additionally, OpenAI has continuously updated ChatGPT with new features, such as plugins and integrations, making it versatile for both personal and professional use. Its ability to generate code, write essays, and even assist in research positions it as a multifunctional tool, appealing to a wide range of users.

Traditional Search Engines Losing Relevance

Perhaps the most striking insight is the consistent decline of traditional search platforms:

• Google: -2% year-over-year
• Bing: -18% year-over-year (a sharp reversal from +18% growth in January)
• Yahoo: -11% year-over-year
• DuckDuckGo: -6% year-over-year
• Baidu: -12% year-over-year

Legacy search engines show a steady decline of -1% to -2% compared to the previous year. Notably, Google still boasts a user base seven times larger than ChatGPT’s.

Why Traditional Search Engines Are Struggling

The decline of traditional search engines is not solely due to the rise of AI tools but also reflects shifting user expectations. Modern internet users demand faster, more intuitive answers rather than sifting through pages of search results. For example, while Google remains the default choice for many, its reliance on static algorithms often falls short when compared to the dynamic, conversational nature of AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT.

Moreover, privacy concerns and ad-heavy interfaces have driven some users toward alternatives like DuckDuckGo. However, even these platforms are not immune to the broader trend of declining usage as AI search engines take center stage.

Which AI Categories Are Seeing the Fastest Growth?

While AI transforms search, certain categories are outpacing others in terms of adoption:

• DevOps & Code Completion: +103% (over 12 weeks)
• General AI tools: +34%
• Music Generation: +12%
• Voice Generation: +8%

Conversely, some AI sectors are shrinking, including:

• Writing and Content Generation: -12%
• Customer Support: -11%
• Legal AI: -70%

Why Certain AI Tools Are Gaining Popularity

The rapid growth of DevOps and code completion tools highlights the increasing importance of automation in software development. Developers are turning to AI-powered solutions to streamline workflows, reduce errors, and accelerate project timelines. Similarly, music and voice generation tools are benefiting from advancements in generative AI, enabling creators to produce high-quality content with minimal effort.

On the other hand, sectors like writing and legal AI are facing challenges due to limitations in accuracy and reliability. For instance, while AI tools can draft articles or contracts, human oversight is often required to ensure quality and compliance, limiting their widespread adoption.

Beyond Search: Other Industries Impacted by AI

AI’s influence extends far beyond search engines, disrupting multiple digital sectors:

• EdTech: -28% year-over-year (with platforms like Chegg down 66% and CourseHero down 69%)
• Website Builders: -13% year-over-year
• Freelance Platforms: -19% year-over-year

Design platforms, however, are growing at +10% year-over-year, suggesting that AI may be enhancing rather than replacing these services. For instance, AI-powered design tools help automate repetitive tasks like resizing images or generating layouts, allowing creators to focus on higher-level creative decisions.

How AI is Reshaping Education and Creative Work

The decline of EdTech platforms like Chegg and CourseHero underscores the growing role of AI in education. Students and educators are increasingly turning to AI tools for personalized learning experiences, reducing reliance on traditional tutoring and study resources. For example, AI-driven platforms can provide instant feedback on assignments or adapt learning materials to individual needs.

In contrast, design platforms are thriving because AI complements rather than replaces creative work. Tools that assist with photo editing, graphic design, and prototyping empower creators to focus on innovation while automating repetitive tasks.

Key Takeaways for Marketers and Businesses

Traditional SEO remains relevant, but it’s no longer sufficient on its own. As traditional search traffic declines, diversification becomes essential.

Similarweb’s findings highlight consistent negative growth for legacy search engines alongside ChatGPT’s commanding market share, underscoring a profound shift in how people discover information.

For search marketers, adapting to AI-driven search while maintaining effective traditional SEO practices will be crucial for success in 2025 and beyond. This balanced approach ensures relevance in an increasingly AI-centric world.

The Future of Search: Predictions and Opportunities

As AI continues to evolve, we can expect further integration of conversational interfaces into everyday tools. For instance, voice-activated assistants powered by AI could become the norm for hands-free searches. Additionally, hybrid models combining traditional search algorithms with AI-driven insights may emerge, offering users the best of both worlds.

Businesses that embrace these changes early will gain a competitive edge, while those resistant to innovation risk falling behind. Whether through optimizing content for AI search engines or leveraging AI tools internally, staying ahead of the curve is essential.

External Resources and Their Relevance

To better understand the trends shaping the AI search landscape, consider exploring recent studies and analyses from trusted sources. For instance:

• A report comparing ChatGPT and Bard (Google’s AI) highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each platform in terms of conversational capabilities and user adoption.
• An analysis of Perplexity’s growth showcases how niche AI search engines are carving out their own space in the market by focusing on transparency and source citations.
• A deep dive into You.com explores how this emerging platform integrates AI-driven search with traditional web indexing to offer users a hybrid experience.

These resources provide valuable context for understanding the competitive dynamics between ChatGPT, Google, and other players in the AI search market.