Introduction to AI Chatbots
The world of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots has been rapidly evolving, with various platforms vying for user attention. According to Similarweb’s Global AI Tracker, ChatGPT accounted for 64% of worldwide traffic share among general AI chatbot websites as of January, while Google’s Gemini reached 21%. This data provides valuable insights into the current state of the AI chatbot landscape.
How the Data Was Collected
Similarweb’s tracker measures total visits at the domain level, reflecting people who directly access these tools on the web. However, it’s essential to note that this data does not capture API usage, embedded assistants, or other integrations where much of the AI usage occurs. This means that the actual numbers may be higher, as many users interact with AI through various channels beyond direct web visits.
Year-Over-Year Changes
A year ago, ChatGPT accounted for an estimated 86% of worldwide traffic among tracked chatbot sites. Now, that figure has dropped to 64%. Over the same period, Gemini rose from 5% to 21%. This significant shift in market share suggests that Google’s efforts to promote Gemini through products like Android and Workspace are paying off.
Other Players in the Market
Other tools, such as DeepSeek, Grok, Perplexity, and Claude, have much smaller market shares, ranging from 2.0% to 3.7%. While these platforms may not be as prominent as ChatGPT or Gemini, they still contribute to the diverse and rapidly evolving AI chatbot landscape.
Seasonal Fluctuations
Similarweb pointed to seasonality during the holiday period as a factor in the decline of total visits to AI chatbot sites. The daily average visits to all tools dropped to August-September levels, indicating a natural fluctuation in user engagement. This context is crucial in distinguishing overall category softness from shifts in market share.
Writing Tool Domain Traffic
Writing and content generation sites experienced a 10% decline over the most recent 12-week window. At the individual tool level, several writing platforms saw significant drops, including Growthbarseo (100%), Jasper (16%), Writesonic (17%), and Rytr (9%). In contrast, Originality saw a 17% increase. These changes suggest that users may be relying more on general assistants or switching to apps and integrations for their writing needs.
Code Completion and Developer Tools
The developer tools category showed mixed results, with some platforms experiencing declines while others saw growth. Bolt was down 39%, while Cursor (up 8%), Replit (up 2%), and Base44 (up 49%) moved in different directions. This diversity in performance highlights the complexity of the developer tools market and the varying needs of users.
Traditional Search and Q&A Platforms
Traditional search traffic remained relatively stable, with a decline of roughly 1% to 3% year-over-year. In contrast, Reddit saw a 12% increase, while Quora experienced a 53% decline. These changes suggest that users are redistributing their Q&A behavior, potentially favoring more interactive and community-driven platforms.
Why This Matters
Understanding where direct, web-based attention is concentrating can help individuals and businesses make informed decisions about which assistants to monitor for brand mentions, citations, and referral behavior. However, it’s essential to treat this data as a snapshot, not the full picture, as many users interact with AI through various channels beyond direct web visits.
Conclusion
The AI chatbot landscape is rapidly evolving, with ChatGPT and Gemini dominating the market. While seasonal fluctuations and changes in user behavior have impacted traffic, the overall trend suggests a shift towards more general assistants and integrated experiences. As the market continues to mature, it will be essential to monitor these changes and adapt to the evolving needs of users. The next report will provide further insights into the trajectory of the AI chatbot market and the ongoing competition between platforms.