March 15, 2026 — A Graphite.io study reveals that AI assistants now dominate 56% of global search volume, surpassing traditional engines, generating 45 billion monthly sessions worldwide, equivalent to 56% of traditional search engine volume.
The analysis by Graphite.io CEO Ethan Smith, which combines web and mobile app data, shows AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Grok and Claude account for 5.4 billion sessions in the U.S., or 34% of U.S. search volume. ChatGPT holds 89% of global AI sessions, with 83% of worldwide AI usage occurring in mobile apps. When focusing on search-like “asking” prompts, AI represents 28% of global search and 17% in the U.S.
Key Statistics
Total search plus AI volume has grown 26% worldwide since 2023, with no decline in traditional search usage. Google’s share of search-related activity fell from 89% in 2023 to 71% globally in Q4 2025. U.S. AI usage grew 300% year-over-year by December 2025, though global AI sessions plateaued since July 2025.
AI assistants now equal 56% of global search engine volume.
—Search Engine Land, March 9, 2026
Media Coverage and Pickup
The study gained traction starting March 9, 2026, with Search Engine Land reporting it reframes prior estimates that undercounted AI by 4-5x due to web-only data. Ignite Visibility’s March 7-13 roundup highlighted AI assistants now dominate 56% of global search volume, surpassing traditional engines, urging SEO adaptations.
SEO Spyglass on March 12 described it as a “massive shift,” noting AI assistants now dominate 56% of global search volume, surpassing traditional engines when adjusted for app dominance.
Other outlets including ALM Corp, Innermedia and Lazysoft echoed the 45 billion sessions and ChatGPT’s lead.
Implications for Marketers
The study emphasizes expanding discovery, not zero-sum competition. Graphite.io notes the need for both SEO and visibility in large language models (LLMs).
“SEO Is Not Dead — But It Cannot Be Your Only Strategy.”
—SEO Spyglass, citing Graphite.io
Ethan Smith states claims about AI overtaking search are understated. AI assistants now dominate 56% of global search volume, surpassing traditional engines, prompting shifts to Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Discussions on X, including from Aaron Haynes, focused on app usage and SEO evolution.