ChatGPT Isn’t Replacing Google Search: The Latest Data Explained

For the past year, the marketing world has been screaming that AI will kill Google. But the actual numbers show a completely different reality.

Let’s look closely at the newly updated Similarweb data. We need to be very precise about what these numbers actually mean for our industry.

Percentage of Google visitors who also visited ChatGPT

November 2022: Launch
December 2022: 1.6%
January 2023: 2.9%
February 2023: 4.5%
March 2023: 5.0%
April 2023: 5.7%
May 2023: 5.7%
June 2023: 5.5%
July 2023: 5.0%
August 2023: 5.0%
September 2023: 5.3%
October… pic.twitter.com/8cuhc8Lu6r

— Similarweb (@Similarweb) March 16, 2026

The percentage of Google users who also visit ChatGPT has steadily grown. It started at just 1.6% in January 2023 and reached about 14% by February 2026.

While 14% is a notable jump, it means 86% of Google’s massive user base still isn’t using ChatGPT.

Now, let’s look at the other side of the graph. This is the most critical metric for any SEO professional to understand.

A staggering 94% to 96% of ChatGPT users still visit Google in the exact same month. People are not leaving Google; they are simply adding AI to the mix.

Here is a clear breakdown of how those overlapping audiences have shifted over time:

The New Multi-Touch Search Journey

Think about how a real user behaves today. We see this exact scenario play out constantly across client campaigns here at Stan Ventures.

Let’s say a business owner wants to build their website’s authority. They might ask ChatGPT, “What are the benefits of niche edits?” to get a quick summary.

They use AI for the exploratory phase to get ideas. But the user does not buy professional SEO services directly from an AI prompt.

Next, they go straight to Google. They search for “trusted niche edit services” to find a reliable agency.

They use Google to read reviews, check out case studies, and validate the agency’s authority. AI is for brainstorming, while Google is for fact-checking and buying.

The fact that over 94% of ChatGPT users still rely on Google is definitive proof of this validation loop.

How to Win in the New Search Ecosystem

As the Director of Marketing, I always tell our clients they don’t have to pick between AI and Google. You need a presence on both.

Your strategy can no longer be one-dimensional. Traditional SEO is not dying, but it is expanding.

Here is how you need to adapt your strategy today:

• Keep your technical foundation strong: A fast, healthy website is still a baseline requirement for Google’s EEAT standards.
• Format for AI extraction: Use clear headings, bullet points, and simple, fact-based answers so AI tools can easily cite you.
• Build off-page authority: AI models look at brand mentions and context, not just links. Earn high-quality placements to build trust.
• Target the validation stage: Ensure your bottom-of-funnel landing pages rank well on Google for when users are ready to convert.

Dileep Thekkethil

Author

Dileep Thekkethil is the Director of Marketing at Stan Ventures and an SEMRush certified SEO expert. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, Dileep has played a pivotal role in helping global brands and agencies enhance their online visibility. His work has been featured in leading industry platforms such as MarketingProfs, Search Engine Roundtable, and CMSWire, and his expert insights have been cited in Google Videos. Known for turning complex SEO strategies into actionable solutions, Dileep continues to be a trusted authority in the SEO community, sharing knowledge that drives meaningful results.