The battle for AI dominance is entering a decisive phase, and fresh traffic data from 2025 shows that the balance is shifting faster than expected. Web usage patterns suggest that Google’s Gemini is rapidly closing the gap with ChatGPT, raising fresh concerns inside OpenAI.
Website traffic trends over the last 12 months reveal a sharp change in how users access leading generative AI platforms. Data shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) by a web analytics firm highlighted the “generative AI website worldwide traffic share” across 2025. The figures show that ChatGPT’s share dropped from 86.7% to 64.5% in just a year.
During the same period, Gemini recorded strong growth. Its global traffic share jumped from 5.7% to 21.5%, marking one of the fastest rises among AI platforms. Newer entrants also made their presence felt. Grok, which gained traction through its close link with X, captured 3.7% of traffic, while DeepSeek followed closely at 3.4%. Anthropic’s Claude posted only a marginal increase of 0.5%, and Microsoft’s Copilot saw a slight decline of 0.4%, indicating near stagnation.
Despite multiple players in the market, the numbers matter most for OpenAI and Google. Both companies actively drive users to their AI websites. In contrast, other platforms rely more on ecosystem-based access. Grok benefits from deep integration with X, Claude mainly operates as an app-first product, and Copilot is embedded across Windows and the Microsoft 365 suite.
The nearly 20% fall in ChatGPT’s web traffic over 12 months is believed to be a key factor behind OpenAI CEO Sam Altman declaring a code red internally in November 2025. Reports suggest that all non-ChatGPT projects were put on indefinite hold soon after Google launched Gemini 3 Pro, which outperformed GPT-5.1 across most benchmarks. OpenAI responded in December by releasing GPT-5.2 to narrow the performance gap.
The concern inside OpenAI is clear. Competing with Google’s scale, resources, and vast distribution across Search, Android, and Workspace remains a major challenge. With the open web being the only level playing field, a visible shift of users from ChatGPT to Gemini signals one thing: OpenAI needs to move faster, or risk losing further ground.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
