ChatGPT vs. Google: Is AI Taking Over Search in 2025?

How We Search Is Changing

For over two decades, Google has been the king of search. Whether you needed directions, a recipe, or medical advice, you typed it into Google and clicked through a list of links. But in 2025, something new is happening—more and more people are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT to get answers instantly.

It raises a big question: Is ChatGPT outpacing Google? Could AI become the future of search?

In this blog post, we’ll break down what’s really going on, what’s changing, and what it means for everyday users, businesses, and the future of the internet.

What is ChatGPT, and how does it work?

Let’s keep this simple.

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot created by OpenAI. Instead of giving you a list of links like Google does, ChatGPT gives you a direct, conversational answer.

For example:

• Google: You search “how to clean an air fryer.” You get 10 links.
• ChatGPT: You ask the same question and get a 4-step answer instantly, with no need to click a thing.

ChatGPT is trained on a massive amount of text (including books, websites, articles, and conversations) and can respond in human-like language. It’s not connected to the internet in real-time (unless specifically integrated with browsing tools), but it can summarize, explain, and even generate content based on what it has learned.

Google’s Response: Meet SGE and Gemini

Google sees what’s happening. They’ve been working on AI for years. In 2023, they launched something called Search Generative Experience (SGE) in Google Labs.

What is SGE?

SGE uses AI to generate quick answers at the top of search results. You might still see the usual blue links, but now Google provides a short summary, similar to ChatGPT.

In 2024, Google introduced Gemini, a new AI assistant integrated into products like Gmail, Docs, and Search, designed to directly compete with ChatGPT.

While ChatGPT is gaining momentum, Google is evolving as well.

Is ChatGPT Being Used More Than Google?

The short answer: not yet, but the trend is changing fast.

Google is still #1:

• Google handles over 8.5 billion searches per day (Source: Internet Live Stats, 2024).
• It’s the default search engine on most browsers and phones.
• Businesses still optimize for Google rankings, not ChatGPT answers.

But ChatGPT is growing fast:

• As of early 2025, ChatGPT has over 180 million users.
• In January 2024 alone, it reached over 1.6 billion visits (Source: SimilarWeb).
• It’s being used in schools, businesses, coding, customer service, and general research.

What’s different is why people use each.

What Are People Using ChatGPT For?

ChatGPT shines in tasks that need speed, simplicity, and synthesis.

Here are a few examples:

• Quick answers: “What’s a good dinner idea with chicken and rice?”
• Explanations: “Can you explain inflation like I’m 12?”
• Brainstorming: “Give me blog ideas for a dog grooming business.”
• Summaries: “Summarize this long article for me.”
• Productivity: “Write an email apologizing for a missed meeting.”

In these cases, users prefer a direct answer rather than having to dig through links.

When Do People Still Use Google?

Google is still the go-to for:

• Finding local businesses or stores
• Comparing products or prices
• Looking for news, real-time updates, or weather
• Finding academic sources or verified citations
• Shopping and e-commerce platforms
• Browsing specific websites or forums

Google is connected to the live web. ChatGPT isn’t—unless integrated with plugins or third-party tools. That’s a big difference.

The Key Difference: Links vs. Answers

Think of it this way:

The way we search is evolving from “find” to “understand.” AI tools like ChatGPT are designed to help you understand things, not just locate them online.

What About AI Search Engines Like Perplexity and You.com?

In 2024 and 2025, new players are rising—AI-native search engines like:

• Perplexity.ai – Combines ChatGPT-like answers with citations from the web.
• You.com – Offers both chatbot and traditional search results.

These tools aim to combine the best of both worlds: conversational answers with source links, and they are gaining popularity among tech-savvy users.

But they still hold a small share of total search volume.

Will ChatGPT Replace Google?

Here’s the honest answer: Probably not—but it will reshape it.

Google is not going away. But the way we use it—and the way we interact with information—is changing. Here’s what that might look like:

• For quick answers, more people will use AI chatbots.
• For deeper research, shopping, or finding services, Google will stay strong.
• For marketers and businesses, it means optimizing for both.

We’re moving toward a world where Google is your directory and AI is your assistant.

What This Means for Business and SEO

If you own a business, manage a website, or work in marketing, this shift matters—a lot.

Here’s what to keep in mind in 2025 and beyond:

1. People want summarized answers.

Content that is clear, structured, and user-friendly will perform better. AI engines pull from content that:

• Answers questions fast
• Uses headings and bullet points
• Includes definitions and comparisons

2. Branded search is more important than ever.

When people remember your business name, they’ll type it directly or mention it in AI prompts (e.g., “Is Gatlin Heat & Air any good?”).

That’s why billboard advertising and brand visibility still matter.

3. Structured data helps you get quoted by AI.

Using schema markup, FAQs, and clean HTML increases your chances of being used in Google’s AI summaries or other language models.

4. AI tools are influencing buyer decisions.

Before visiting your site, people are asking ChatGPT about your industry, your competitors, and your reviews. Make sure your online reputation is strong.

So… Should You Use Google or ChatGPT?

Use both.

If you want:

• Real-time info
• Local business results
• Product shopping
• Verified sources

👉 Use Google

If you want:

• Quick summaries
• Writing help
• Brainstorming
• Simplified explanations

👉 Use ChatGPT (or similar tools)

Most people in 2025 are doing both—sometimes in the same session.

The Search Future Is Hybrid

We’re entering the AI-assisted search era—a world where Google isn’t replaced but reimagined.

You’ll still use Google to navigate the web, but you might ask ChatGPT to help you understand what you find. You might use Perplexity to get a summarized answer with source links. Or you might even use an AI assistant built into your browser, phone, or car.

It’s not about who wins. It’s about how we, the users, win—by getting better answers, faster.

Summary

• ChatGPT isn’t replacing Google, but it’s changing how people get information.
• AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and You.com are gaining traction for quick answers and summaries.
• Google is adapting with Gemini and Search Generative Experience (SGE).
• The future of search is hybrid—AI for understanding, Google for navigating.

Want to Stay Visible in an AI-Driven Search World?

At Whistler Billboards, we help brands stay top of mind, both offline and online. From traditional billboards to AI-optimized content strategies, we’ll help you show up wherever your audience is searching.

📞 Let’s future-proof your visibility—no matter who’s doing the searching.