OpenAI Says ChatGPT's Search-Like Queries Are About a Fifth of Google's Volume
TLDR
OpenAI says ChatGPT's search-like queries, counting each question that sends it to the web, equal about a fifth of Google's search volume, though traffic data differs.
Optimixed Overview
Optimixed's original report on this story.
OpenAI says ChatGPT's search-like queries, counting each question that sends it to the web, amount to about a fifth of Google's volume. The article notes that traffic data differs from that figure, as first reported by Search Engine Journal.
How we got here: earlier coverage
On August 31, ChatGPT was classified as a "very large online search engine" under EU law, based on 159.1 million average monthly search recipients. Later, on October 22, an analysis of 100 websites' GA4 data found that ChatGPT referrals accounted for 0.62% of Google organic search traffic over 12 months. Now, on November 3, OpenAI says ChatGPT's search-like queries, counting each question that sends it to the web, equal about a fifth of Google's search volume, though traffic data differs.
Summary of earlier coverage
- Oct 23Semrush finds AI Overviews reaching 88% of commercial search queries
Semrush data shows AI Overviews appearing on 88% of commercial keywords, while studies indicate ChatGPT captures less than 1% of Google organic traffic.
- Oct 22Analysis: ChatGPT referrals represent less than 1% of Google organic search traffic across 100 websites
Analysis of 100 websites' GA4 data shows ChatGPT referrals accounted for just 0.62% of Google organic search traffic over 12 months, with referral growth stalling after August 2025.
- Oct 18Study finds OpenAI API citations diverge from ChatGPT's actual sources
Research shows OpenAI's API cites different sources than ChatGPT itself, though often links to the same domain even when the specific page differs.
- Aug 31ChatGPT now qualifies as a very large online search engine under the EU Digital Services Act
OpenAI's ChatGPT has crossed the EU's threshold for "very large online search engines" based on 159.1 million average monthly search recipients, triggering Digital Services Act obligations.