AI chatbots like ChatGPT have grabbed attention over the past year. Still, when it comes to web traffic, search engines are in a league of their own. The question is, will that always be the case? Let’s break it down and look at what the data tells us.
The Search Engine Stronghold: Why Google Still Rules
Recent data shows that Google pulled in a whopping 1.63 trillion visits from April 2024 to March 2025. That’s 34 times more traffic than all AI chatbots together, which managed to attract 55.2 billion visits. Despite ChatGPT’s rise, search engines still control 97% of online traffic.
Why? Because search engines deliver trusted, multi-source information. Google’s algorithm is built to offer verified, comprehensive content quickly. Meanwhile, AI chatbots are great for quick, specific answers. However, they don’t yet compete when it comes to deep research or browsing multiple sources.
The Chatbot Spike: Impressive Numbers, But What Do They Mean?
Chatbots saw an 80.92% jump in traffic over the past year, led by ChatGPT with 47.7 billion visits. But even with that, ChatGPT’s share is just 2.5% of Google’s total traffic. Other notable gains include:
- Microsoft Copilot: 920.4 million visits, up 1038.72%
- Meta AI: 108.9 million visits, a staggering 142430.21% increase
Why the surge? People are using AI for specific tasks — coding assistance, quick summaries, or personal support. But can these platforms really compete with Google’s dominance? Not quite yet.
It’s Not a Battle; It’s a Blend
Instead of pitting search engines against chatbots, the real story is how AI is getting baked into search engines. Microsoft Bing, for example, is integrating ChatGPT-like tools, bringing conversational AI into traditional search. Google is rolling out Bard to do the same.
The real impact will come from hybrid models that combine data-rich search results with the interactive style of chatbots. It’s not about choosing one over the other but using both strategically.
Different Tools for Different Jobs
Despite the chatbot boom, search engines still pull in 34 times more traffic. Why? Because people use them for different reasons.
- Search Engines: Perfect for deep dives, multiple sources, and thorough research.
- Chatbots: Ideal for quick responses, casual queries, or interactive answers.
For example, if you’re researching a complex topic, Google still has the upper hand. But if you need a quick overview of a trending topic, AI chatbots can deliver in seconds.
What to Expect Next
The gap between search engines and chatbots close a bit, but it’s not going away anytime soon. Chatbots are finding their place in niches like customer support, coding help, and personal assistance. Nonetheless, search engines still handle the heavy lifting for general browsing and deep research.
Instead of asking who will win the traffic war, we should ask a different question. How can we use both search engines and chatbots together to get the best of both worlds?
Wole Oduwole, an SEO & Digital Growth Expert is the Founder of SEOGidi. Harnessing with over 10 years of experience to scaling startups and emerging businesses.
