March 14, 2026 — A Graphite.io study published March 13 by CEO Ethan Smith reveals that AI Assistants Dominate Global Search: Accounting for 56% of Worldwide Search Volume, with AI tools generating 45 billion monthly sessions worldwide, equivalent to 56% of global search activity.
The analysis, based on web and mobile app data, shows AI accounting for 34% of U.S. search volume with 5.4 billion monthly sessions. Search-like “asking” prompts represent 28% of global search volume and 17% in the U.S. Total search-related activity, including AI and traditional engines, grew 26% worldwide and 16% in the U.S. from 2024 to 2025.
Key Findings from the Study
AI Assistants Dominate Global Search: Accounting for 56% of Worldwide Search Volume, far exceeding prior web-only estimates by 4x-5x, as 83% of global AI usage occurs in mobile apps and 75% in the U.S. ChatGPT holds 89% of global AI sessions, per coverage of the study.
Ethan Smith wrote in the study:
“Upon closer inspection of the data, we found that not only are the claims that AI may soon overtake search not overstated, they are understated.”
He added:
“The growth of AI is incremental to search. The pie is getting much bigger.”
Industry Coverage
Search Engine Land on March 9 reported AI Assistants Dominate Global Search: Accounting for 56% of Worldwide Search Volume, emphasizing app data’s role. ALM Corp and Performance Marketing World on March 10 highlighted the 45 billion sessions milestone and rapid growth.
Ignite Visibility on March 13 stated:
“We’ve been saying it for a while now, but let these numbers show: you cannot avoid AI search when planning your SEO strategy.”
Smith shared highlights on X: post, confirming the 56% global share.
Marketing Implications
AI Assistants Dominate Global Search: Accounting for 56% of Worldwide Search Volume is shifting SEO and digital marketing, with outlets like Innermedia framing it as a major evolution. Coverage notes no decline in traditional search, but marketers must adapt to AI’s rise. For related insights, see SEO Spyglass articles.