OpenAI says ChatGPT is catching up to Google in search
OpenAI announced that ChatGPT now handles 20 percent of the search queries that Google processes, according to Adam Fry, the company’s consumer product lead. The figure was revealed at a press event on Monday. OpenAI defines a search as a user query that triggers a web search, excluding simple definitions or how‑to explanations. The company likely uses Microsoft Bing and its own index for many…
Key points
- ChatGPT handles 20% of search queries that Google processes
- OpenAI defines a search as a query that triggers a web search
- OpenAI plans to monetize search traffic with ads and sponsored product images
The announcement follows Google’s ongoing efforts to reduce third‑party referrals and invest in AI‑powered search features, such as personalized results with visualizations. OpenAI plans to monetize the growing search traffic through ads, a strategy it says has not harmed user experience. The company also intends to introduce images of sponsored products in ChatGPT, moving beyond text links.
While ChatGPT’s search volume remains far below Google’s, the 20 percent share signals a shift in how users seek information, and suggests that AI‑driven search could become a significant revenue stream for OpenAI as it approaches a potential IPO next year.
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OpenAI says ChatGPT is catching up to Google in search
The Verge AI · 3 November 2026
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This text was published by The Verge AI and written by Hayden Field. It is reproduced here with attribution so you can read it in full; the rights remain with the publisher. Read it at the source ↗
Coverage and discussion
2sources- Google’s Search Volume Is About 5x ChatGPT’s, OpenAI Says via @sejournal, @MattGSouthernPress · Search Engine Journal ·
The headline, key points and digest above were generated by Digest AI's editorial model from the linked sources. Automated summaries can contain errors: the sources are the record. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Published by Martin K., who runs Digest AI and handles corrections.
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