According to Android Authority, ChatGPT still commands over 70% of generative AI web traffic worldwide, maintaining its market leadership position nearly three years after its late 2022 debut. Google’s Gemini has now crossed the 10% threshold for the first time, showing steady growth in the increasingly competitive artificial intelligence landscape. The data from Similarweb reveals Google is building momentum and gradually stealing web traffic from OpenAI’s flagship product. This comes as companies including Meta, Microsoft, Perplexity, Anthropic, and xAI all compete for users in the rapidly expanding AI market.
Google’s Steady Ascent
Here’s the thing about Google’s position: they’re playing the long game. While ChatGPT exploded onto the scene and captured everyone’s imagination, Google has been methodically improving Gemini and integrating it across their ecosystem. They’ve got the distribution channels—Search, Android, Workspace—that nobody else can match. Basically, they’re doing what Google does best: leveraging their massive existing user base to slowly but surely gain traction.
And let’s be honest, Google had a rocky start with Bard’s infamous demo flub. But they’ve recovered remarkably well. The company has poured resources into improving their models, and it shows in these numbers. Crossing that 10% threshold might not sound huge compared to ChatGPT’s dominance, but in this market? That’s meaningful progress.
OpenAI’s Uphill Battle
Now, OpenAI isn’t just sitting around. They’ve been iterating rapidly with GPT-4, GPT-4o, and their voice features. But maintaining 70% market share gets harder every month as competitors catch up. The big question is: can they keep innovating fast enough to stay ahead?
Think about it—when ChatGPT launched, it had virtually no competition. Today? Users have multiple credible alternatives that are often free and integrated into tools they already use. That changes the entire dynamic. OpenAI’s early mover advantage is still paying dividends, but the gap is definitely narrowing.
The Wider AI Ecosystem
What’s fascinating is how this isn’t just a two-horse race. Similarweb’s data shows there’s room for multiple players to thrive. Companies like Anthropic with Claude and Perplexity with its search-focused approach are carving out their own niches. Even xAI’s Grok has its followers.
The market is segmenting. Some users want the most powerful model regardless of cost, others want free access, and many just want AI seamlessly integrated into their existing workflows. This fragmentation means we’re probably not heading toward a winner-takes-all scenario. Different tools will dominate different use cases.
So where does this leave us? Basically, we’re watching the early innings of what will likely be a decade-long battle for AI supremacy. ChatGPT’s lead is still substantial, but Google’s resources and distribution make them a formidable challenger. And honestly? Having multiple strong competitors is great for users—it means faster innovation and better products for everyone.
