AI Search: Perplexity, Google AI Mode, ChatGPT Search — 2026-09-13
Recent data from Similarweb indicates a significant shift in AI search traffic, with Gemini's share surging to 25.4% while ChatGPT's dominance in referral traffic remains high but contested. Meanwhile, regulatory pressure mounts as the EU and UK enforce new compliance rules for AI search engines, and major publishers like Le Monde report stable audiences despite the rise of AI Overviews.
AI Search: Perplexity, Google AI Mode, ChatGPT Search — 2026-09-13
Top developments
Similarweb Data Shows Gemini Gaining Ground Against ChatGPT
In its August 2026 traffic share update, Similarweb revealed that Google’s Gemini has captured 25.4% of generative AI website traffic, up from 12.9% a year prior. Conversely, ChatGPT’s share of general AI web traffic has dropped to 56.7% (from 73.3%), though it still dominates specific referral metrics. This shift suggests that while ChatGPT remains the primary entry point for many users, Google’s integration of Gemini into its ecosystem is successfully recapturing significant user attention within the search vertical.
Perplexity’s Revenue Triples and Nvidia Interest Emerges
Perplexity AI has reportedly tripled its annual recurring revenue to $750 million, driven by a strategic pivot toward agentic capabilities rather than just search. Fast Company reports that Nvidia is now seriously considering an investment in the startup, signaling a maturation of Perplexity’s business model beyond simple query answering. This financial growth provides Perplexity with more leverage in ongoing legal disputes and competitive positioning against tech giants.
Le Monde Reports Stability Despite AI Overviews
Contrary to widespread fears of catastrophic traffic loss, French newspaper Le Monde stated that its audience metrics have not significantly declined since the rollout of Google’s AI Overviews in France. The publisher noted that while traditional search referrals may have shifted, app traffic and subscriber growth have offset potential losses, complicating the narrative that AI summaries universally destroy publisher ecosystems. This data point is critical for publishers assessing the actual impact of AI integration on their bottom line.
OpenAI Expands Deep Research to Work and Codex
On September 9, 2026, OpenAI made its "Deep Research" mode available within ChatGPT Work and Codex environments. This feature allows users to conduct multi-step research across the web and connected files, generating cited documents and presentations. This expansion moves ChatGPT further into enterprise workflows, potentially reducing reliance on standalone research tools and intensifying competition with specialized AI search engines like Perplexity.
Local view
No recent local-language media coverage specifically addressing these developments was found in the provided research results for this period.
Context & numbers
- Zero-Click Searches: Similarweb data indicates zero-click searches increased from 56% to 69% between May 2024 and May 2025, a trend directly correlated with the expansion of AI Overviews.
- Traffic Share: As of August 2026, ChatGPT holds 56.7% of Gen AI web traffic, Gemini 25.4%, Claude 6.0%, Grok 3.7%, DeepSeek 3.4%, Copilot 1.9%, and Perplexity ~1.9%.
- Perplexity Revenue: The company has reached $750 million in ARR, tripling its previous revenue figures.
On the radar
- EU Compliance Deadlines: The EU Digital Services Act continues to enforce compliance templates for Very Large Online Search Engines (VLOSEs). As Gemini, Perplexity, and others grow past 45 million EU users, they face the same regulatory clock as ChatGPT, with Germany’s ZAK national media ruling adding parallel enforcement pressure.
- CMA Opt-Out Rules: The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is finalizing conduct rules forcing Google to allow UK publishers to block their content from AI Overviews without losing search ranking, a move that could set a global precedent for publisher-AI relationships.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
Powered by
