ChatGPT is expanding its share of the internet search market. According to OpenAI, the chatbot already processes a volume of queries equivalent to one fifth of that recorded by Google. The statement indicates the tool's progress as an alternative to traditional search mechanisms, although the gap between the two platforms is still significant.
The figure was presented by Adam Fry, who is responsible for ChatGPT's consumer product, during an OpenAI event held on Monday (2). According to him, the company considers every query submitted by a user that results in a web search to be a search. Simple questions, such as requests to define a term or explain how to do something, are not included in that count.
However, the company did not disclose the source of the number used to compare the volume of ChatGPT searches with that of Google.
ChatGPT is still far from Google
- Despite its growth, the volume of searches on ChatGPT accounts for only a fraction of the activity recorded by Google;
- The comparison made by OpenAI also helps gauge the challenge of gaining ground in this market;
- During Google's antitrust trial in 2023, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said that Bing held approximately 3% of the search engine market, even after more than a decade of investment to compete with Google's offering;
- The advance of artificial intelligence (AI), however, is changing this landscape. Google itself has begun incorporating generative features into its search engine, including AI-generated summaries and more personalized experiences, with visualizations and charts;
- The Verge notes that a significant share of searches conducted on ChatGPT likely uses Microsoft's Bing, in addition to OpenAI's own search index. There is still speculation about the possibility that some queries are routed to Google.
Despite the result, Google remains well ahead in the search engine race – Image: RixAiArt/Shutterstock
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OpenAI bets on visual interfaces and advertising
The competition is not just about answering questions. OpenAI is also developing more visual and interactive search experiences within ChatGPT.
The company calls this approach “Intelligent UI” (intelligent interface, in a loose translation). The aim is to turn chatbot responses into interactive environments, with visual elements and features that allow users to explore information without leaving the conversation.
“That is where the future of this technology is heading. You are having a conversation with a screen,” Fry said.
Another strategic point is advertising. Like Google, OpenAI sees ads as a potential source of revenue for its services, especially given the possibility of an initial public offering in early 2027.
Fry said that advertising did not provoke a lasting negative reaction among users and that most people seem not to mind ads in the product.
The company announced the previous month that it would begin displaying images of sponsored products and services in ChatGPT. Until then, ads mainly featured the company’s name, logo, and a link to the product.
“The ads may have shown us that we could be doing this even more,” the executive said.
Rodrigo Mozelli is a journalist who graduated from São Paulo Methodist University (UMESP) and is currently a reporter at Olhar Digital.
