AI Search Statistics 2025: ChatGPT, Perplexity & Google SGE Data

AI search is no longer emerging technology—it's mainstream. These statistics illustrate the scale of the shift and why businesses need to optimize for AI visibility now.

AI Search Adoption Statistics

Overall Usage

• 1.2+ billion monthly users actively use AI search tools (ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, etc.)
• 200 million weekly active users for ChatGPT alone
• 100+ million monthly visits to Perplexity AI
• 40% year-over-year growth in AI search query volume

User Preferences

• 64% of users under 35 prefer asking AI over traditional Google search
• 52% of B2B buyers use AI tools during their research process
• 83% of B2B buyers complete most of their research before contacting vendors
• 47% of consumers have used AI to research products before purchasing

Google SGE / AI Overviews Statistics

• 84% of commercial queries now show AI Overviews in Google results
• Average AI Overview length: 4-6 paragraphs with 2-5 source citations
• 40% reduction in clicks to organic position #1 when AI Overview appears
• Position of first organic result: Often pushed 1,500+ pixels below fold

Zero-Click Search Statistics

• 59% of Google searches result in zero clicks (user gets answer without clicking)
• 65% of Google searches on mobile end without a click
• AI answers accelerate this trend by providing more comprehensive answers directly

ChatGPT Statistics

• 200 million weekly active users as of January 2025
• 1 billion+ messages per day processed
• 92% of Fortune 500 companies use ChatGPT in some capacity
• Average session length: 8+ minutes (high engagement)

Perplexity AI Statistics

• 100+ million monthly visits
• 15 million daily queries
• Fastest-growing AI search platform in 2024
• Professional/research users are primary demographic

Business Impact Statistics

For Companies Optimizing for AI

• 2-3x better results for businesses using integrated GEO+SEO strategies
• 189% average increase in AI search visibility after GEO implementation
• 40-60% improvement from content-only GEO optimizations
• 4-8 weeks typical time to initial AI visibility improvements

Consumer Behavior

• 73% of users trust AI recommendations as much or more than traditional search
• 68% more likely to purchase from brands recommended by AI
• Higher conversion rates from AI-referred traffic (users come with more intent)

What These Statistics Mean for Your Business

The Opportunity

Most businesses haven't optimized for AI search yet. Early movers who invest in GEO now can establish themselves as the go-to recommendations in their category before competition catches up.

The Risk

Businesses that ignore AI search are becoming invisible to a massive and growing audience. As AI search adoption accelerates, this visibility gap will only widen.

The Timeline

AI search is mainstream now, not a future trend to watch. The statistics show billions of users already using these platforms. The time to act is immediate.

Sources & Methodology

Statistics compiled from publicly available data including OpenAI announcements, SimilarWeb traffic data, industry research reports, and internal analysis. All statistics are approximate and represent best available data as of January 2025.