AI Search Is Eating Google Alive—And Consumers Love It.
The Breakdown: For years, Google’s ten blue links ruled the internet. But now? AI search is changing the game.
New data from Adobe Analytics shows that AI-powered search referrals skyrocketed 1,300% in 2024, with Cyber Monday alone seeing a 1,950% spike. But here’s the interesting part: users referred from AI search aren’t just clicking—they’re staying longer, browsing more, and bouncing less.
With Perplexity, OpenAI, and Google all racing to dominate AI-powered search, the question isn’t whether AI search is here to stay—it’s how fast it will replace the old way of searching.
The Details:
AI search traffic is exploding: Compared to traditional search, AI-referred visitors browse 12% more pages, stay 8% longer, and are 23% less likely to bounce.
Perplexity’s rise—and controversy: The AI search startup is now valued at $9 billion but has been accused of plagiarism by Forbes and sued by News Corp.
Google’s AI search growing pains: AI Overviews (formerly Search Generative Experience) launched in 2023, but not without its…issues. (Glue on pizza? Eating rocks? Yikes.)
OpenAI’s careful approach: Their AI search tool launched quietly, with publisher partnerships and a focus on avoiding viral misinformation.
AI search is shaping consumer behavior:
39% use it for online shopping
55% use it for research
47% use it for product recommendations
Why You Should Care: Google search has been clogged with SEO spam and ads for years—and AI search is shaping up to be the fix.
But will it stay clean and useful, or will AI search get flooded with ads, misinformation, and the same SEO tricks that ruined traditional search?
One thing is clear: AI search isn’t the future—it’s already here.
Enjoying Artificially 🤖 Intelligent? Get the latest AI insights, breakdowns, and strategies delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now and stay ahead of the curve.