BUSINESSDevelopments · · 2 min read · Source: Big Technology
ChatGPT: OpenAI says search queries reach one-fifth of Google
ChatGPT product lead Adam Fry said in New York on November 2, 2026, that search-like queries on ChatGPT amount to roughly one-fifth of Google's volume. Tech journalist Alex Kantrowitz reported the remarks in his newsletter Big Technology.
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Key facts
- ChatGPT product lead Adam Fry said on November 2, 2026, that search-like queries on ChatGPT are about 20% of Google's volume.
- According to OpenAI, ChatGPT's weekly active users grew from 1 billion to 1.2 billion in 60 days.
- OpenAI hasn't disclosed how it counts search queries; there are no independent figures.
The numbers – all from OpenAI
- Search: search-like queries on ChatGPT equal about 20% of Google's query volume, according to OpenAI.
- Users: weekly active users grew from 1 billion to 1.2 billion in 60 days, Fry said.
- Images: users create about 1.5 billion images per week.
- Voice: dictation and voice conversations together reach 250 million weekly active users.
What's still unclear
OpenAI hasn't explained how it counts a "search." It's not known, for example, whether each follow-up in a longer chat counts as a separate query. Treat the 20% as an order of magnitude rather than a precise comparison. There are no independent measurements yet.
What people use ChatGPT for
According to Fry, early use was mostly writing and coding. Now people ask about people, places, products, finance and health – exactly what they used to open a search engine for. ChatGPT then searches the web for current information. Fry also said the Chat and Work modes will merge and the toggle will go away.
What this means for you
- AI assistants are becoming a search channel of their own, alongside Google.
- The 20% figure comes from OpenAI without a disclosed method.
- If you want to be found, check whether ChatGPT knows your business and describes it correctly.
How to use this
Ask ChatGPT, with web search on, about your industry and location, e.g. "Who offers … in Chicago?". Note which sources it cites and add the facts that are missing to your own website.
Luigi's take
I wouldn't put too much weight on the exact number – OpenAI has every reason to sound big, and the method is unknown. But the direction is unmistakable, and it's what I'm preparing i4u.business for: we maintain an llms.txt for AI crawlers and clear key-fact boxes in every article.
My advice for solo professionals and small businesses: ask ChatGPT three questions your customers would ask and see whether you show up. If you don't, clear pages with pricing, services and FAQs are the simplest lever – they help with Google and AI search at the same time.
Source
Big Technology: OpenAI: ChatGPT search is about 20% of Google
This article was researched and written with AI assistance. Responsible: Luigi Lugmayr.
