New Tool Tracks Referral Traffic From ChatGPT vs Google

08/20/25
Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of ChatGPT vs Google Search Traffic Growth: Current Trends and Future Outlook

ChatGPT’s referral traffic is growing steadily by about 1.5% monthly, but it remains a tiny fraction compared to Google’s dominance. Currently, ChatGPT accounts for roughly 0.19% of traffic versus Google’s 42%. Studies indicate that while AI search tools complement traditional search, they have not replaced it, with most users still preferring Google. Overall, AI search is expanding but unlikely to overtake Google soon.

Optimixed’s Overview: Evaluating the Growth and Impact of AI-Powered Search Compared to Google

Emerging Trends in AI Search Traffic

Recent data from a new tool developed by Tim Souo and Ahrefs at chatgpt-vs-google.com highlights the comparative growth rates of referral traffic from ChatGPT versus Google Search. Analysis of over 44,000 websites reveals that while ChatGPT’s share is expanding, it remains substantially smaller than Google’s.

  • ChatGPT’s referral traffic is currently about 0.19% of total traffic, growing at approximately 1.5% per month.
  • Google continues to dominate with around 42% of referral traffic.
  • The growth trajectory suggests ChatGPT is unlikely to catch up with Google in the near future due to their vastly different traffic bases.

User Behavior and Industry Insights

Insights from the Nielsen Norman Group and industry experts reveal that user search habits are deeply rooted in traditional search engines. Key points include:

  • Many users still initiate searches on Google, often using AI-generated summaries as supplementary information.
  • Generative AI tools are used alongside traditional search to explore topics and verify facts, rather than replace standard search engines.
  • The evolving role of AI in search is more complementary, enhancing rather than disrupting established behaviors.

Future Outlook

While AI-powered search technologies like ChatGPT show promising growth and utility, their current impact on traffic share and user preference suggests they serve as valuable supplements to Google rather than replacements. Continued monitoring and analysis will be essential to understand how these tools reshape search landscapes over time.