# OpenAI says ChatGPT is catching up to Google in search

Digest AI · Business & Funding · published 2026-11-03T18:30:42Z · updated 2026-11-03T21:13:38Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/openai-says-chatgpt-is-catching-up-to-google-in-search

## Summary

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 searches, with some speculation it may route queries through Google.

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.

## 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

## Why it matters

The rise of AI‑driven search shows a shift in user behavior and opens new advertising revenue opportunities for AI companies, potentially reshaping the search engine market.

## Sources

1. [OpenAI says ChatGPT is catching up to Google in search](https://theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/1025482/openai-says-chatgpt-is-catching-up-to-google-in-search) (The Verge AI, 2026-11-03)
2. [Google’s Search Volume Is About 5x ChatGPT’s, OpenAI Says via @sejournal, @MattGSouthern](https://searchenginejournal.com/googles-search-volume-is-about-5x-chatgpts-openai-says/595817) (Search Engine Journal, 2026-11-03)

Part of the developing story: [ChatGPT Challenges Google in Search Race](https://digestai.news/thread/chatgpt-consumer-lead-reports-1-2b-users-20-of-googles-search-volume) (2 stories)

## Cite

Digest AI, "OpenAI says ChatGPT is catching up to Google in search", 3 November 2026, https://digestai.news/story/openai-says-chatgpt-is-catching-up-to-google-in-search

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