The way we find information online is changing fast. For years, Google has been the go-to search engine, helping us answer everything from “best restaurant near me” to “how does the universe work?” But now, ChatGPT is shaking things up.
A massive study by Semrush analyzing 80 million user interactions has revealed that ChatGPT is sending more people to different websites than ever before.
While Google still leads, ChatGPT’s ability to understand context, generate answers, and suggest links is making it a powerful alternative.
But what does this mean for the internet, businesses, and digital marketers? Let’s break it down.
ChatGPT’s Rapid Growth: The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Back in July 2024, ChatGPT sent users to fewer than 10,000 unique websites a day. Fast forward to November, and that number had skyrocketed past 30,000 per day.
Even before OpenAI officially launched its search feature on October 31st, users were already treating ChatGPT as a search engine. The numbers prove it:
- 566 million people used ChatGPT in December 2024 (still behind Google’s 6.5 billion but growing fast).
- ChatGPT sends more traffic to certain websites than Bing does.
- 46% of users turn on ChatGPT’s web search, treating it like a Google alternative.
How ChatGPT Searches Are Different From Google?
When we search on Google, we typically type short, keyword-heavy phrases like:
- “Best laptops 2025”
- “How to lose weight fast”
- “Restaurants near me”
But ChatGPT users interact differently.
- When search is off, ChatGPT prompts average 23 words—sometimes going up to 2,717 words for complex queries!
- When search is on, prompts shrink to about 4.2 words, more like a traditional Google search.
This shows us that people use ChatGPT for both deep, detailed conversations and quick searches.
What Are People Searching for on ChatGPT?
Google categorizes searches into four types: navigational, where users look for a specific website (e.g., “Facebook login”); informational, where they seek knowledge (e.g., “How does AI work?”); commercial, where they research products (e.g., “Best smartphones 2025”); and transactional, where they are ready to make a purchase (e.g., “Buy iPhone 15 Pro”).
Surprisingly, 70% of searches on ChatGPT do not fit within these traditional classifications.
Instead of simply finding answers, ChatGPT users engage in a more interactive and creative process. They brainstorm by asking for ideas, such as “Give me 10 business ideas for passive income.” They use it for writing tasks like, “Help me draft an email to my boss about a raise.” Others turn to ChatGPT for simplified learning, requesting explanations like, “Explain quantum physics like I’m five.”
Many also use it for creative purposes, such as “Write a funny birthday poem for my friend.”
This change in user behavior shows how ChatGPT is transforming the way individuals search for and engage with information, representing a notable advancement from conventional search engine use.
Semrush makes it clear that only 30% of ChatGPT queries match known search intents, as shown in the chart. The remaining 70% are too unique or uncommon to appear in the Semrush database.
Who’s Benefiting the Most from ChatGPT’s Search Traffic?
Some websites are getting way more traffic from ChatGPT than from Google or Bing.
Biggest winners:
- Tech & AI websites – OpenAI-related domains receive 14x more traffic from ChatGPT than Google.
- Academic publishers – Research sites like Springer, MDPI, and Oxford University Press are thriving.Online learning platforms – Websites like Blackboard and Instructure are seeing huge traffic boosts.
Who’s not seeing much traffic (yet)?
- Retail & e-commerce – Shopping sites like Amazon and Walmart aren’t benefiting as much from AI-driven search.
This could change as AI-powered shopping tools evolve, but for now, ChatGPT is mostly helping people learn, brainstorm, and problem-solve rather than shop.
Who Uses ChatGPT the Most?
According to data from Semrush .Trends, ChatGPT is most popular among younger users, particularly students, who use it more frequently than Google. It also attracts a tech-savvy audience, including AI and programming enthusiasts.
However, compared to Google, ChatGPT’s user base is less diverse, as Google reaches a wider range of age groups.
This trend offers a valuable opportunity for universities, tech companies, and content creators to engage with a highly interested and specialized audience.
What This Means for SEO, Marketing, and Business
If ChatGPT is changing how people search, then businesses need to change how they show up online.
- SEO is no longer enough. Websites need to be easily discoverable by AI (not just ranked on Google).
- AI prefers structured content. Listicles, FAQs, and well-organized articles perform better in ChatGPT results.
- Brand mentions are key. Even if ChatGPT doesn’t link to your site, getting mentioned in AI-generated answers builds credibility.
How to Get Found in AI Search (And Stay Ahead)
Want to future-proof your business for AI search? Here’s what you should do:
Make your content AI-friendly – Structured, well-organized content works best.
Think beyond keywords – AI-driven search cares about context, not just exact keyword matches.
Monitor AI search trends – Tools like Semrush’s AI Toolkit can help track your brand’s visibility.
Focus on brand mentions – If AI talks about your business, you win—even if there’s no direct link.
Embrace AI-generated content – Don’t fight it—use AI to enhance your content and stay competitive.
The Bottom Line
ChatGPT isn’t just a chatbot anymore—it’s a serious contender in the search world.
With AI-driven discovery growing rapidly, businesses and marketers must adapt now or risk getting left behind.
Google isn’t going anywhere, but search is evolving fast—and the companies that embrace AI search early will have the biggest advantage.
Are you ready for the AI-powered future of search?
Zulekha
AuthorZulekha is an emerging leader in the content marketing industry from India. She began her career in 2019 as a freelancer and, with over five years of experience, has made a significant impact in content writing. Recognized for her innovative approaches, deep knowledge of SEO, and exceptional storytelling skills, she continues to set new standards in the field. Her keen interest in news and current events, which started during an internship with The New Indian Express, further enriches her content. As an author and continuous learner, she has transformed numerous websites and digital marketing companies with customized content writing and marketing strategies.
