Summary
AI search uses generative AI platforms, such as ChatGPT or Google AI Overviews, to answer queries by synthesizing information from multiple sources instead of listing links.
Definition
Traditional search engines return ranked lists of websites. AI Search changes this model by using generative AI to produce direct Responses in natural language. Platforms like Google AI Overviews, Bing Copilot, Perplexity AI Search, ChatGPT Responses, and Anthropic Claude Results all represent different forms of AI Search.
The key difference is that AI Search integrates content from multiple Source Domains into a single narrative. Instead of leaving users to click through pages, it delivers an answer immediately. Sometimes these Responses include Cited Sources and Inline Sources for transparency and navigation, while other times the sourcing is less visible.
AI Search is useful because it saves time, reduces the need to sift through dozens of websites, and often provides context or comparisons in a single step. For users, it feels more like having a conversation than conducting a search.
Use cases
Quickly answering factual questions without scanning multiple websites.
Getting summarized overviews of complex topics.
Comparing products or services side by side in natural language.
Exploring recommended sources directly through Inline Sources.
Using conversational queries instead of keyword-based search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is AI Search important for users?
It makes finding information faster and more convenient, especially for broad or complex queries.
How is AI Search different from traditional search?
Traditional search ranks websites, while AI Search provides direct answers built from multiple sources.
What is AI Search?
It is the use of generative AI systems to answer queries with synthesized Responses rather than lists of links.