ChatGPT processes about one-fifth as many search queries as Google, according to Adam Fry, OpenAI’s consumer product lead for ChatGPT. He shared the figure at a press event on Monday, but did not identify the source for Google’s search volume estimate.
OpenAI counts a search when a user’s query leads to a web search. That excludes requests handled without searching the web, such as asking for a definition or a straightforward how-to explanation.
The comparison marks a substantial reach for ChatGPT, but it remains well behind Google. For context, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said during Google’s 2023 antitrust trial that Bing held about 3 percent of the search engine market after more than a decade of competition.
OpenAI is also developing a more visual search experience within ChatGPT. Fry described the company’s “Intelligent UI” approach as an interactive canvas presented in a chatbot response. Meanwhile, Google is adding AI features to its search products, including AI Overviews and personalized results with visualizations and charts.
OpenAI is expanding advertising in ChatGPT as well. Fry said ads had not caused lasting negative reactions or reduced product usage. Last month, the company said it would start showing images of sponsored products and services, in addition to company names, logos and links. Fry said the response to ads had suggested OpenAI could introduce more of them.
Sources: The Verge.