Summary
Responses are the complete answers generated by AI search engines in reply to a user’s query.
Definition
When a user types a question into platforms like ChatGPT Mentions, Google AI Overviews, or Perplexity AI Search, the AI generates a Response. This is the output text presented to the user, often combining information from multiple Sources. Responses can include plain text, bullet points, summaries, and sometimes Inline Sources or Cited Sources that guide users to external websites.
Responses are central to AI search because they replace the traditional list of blue links with a synthesized answer. This shift changes how users encounter brands. Instead of scanning a search results page, they interact directly with a single narrative shaped by AI. Within that narrative, brands may be mentioned explicitly, described indirectly, or linked through sources.
For marketers, Responses are where brand perception takes shape. The wording, context, and presence of a brand inside Responses can influence Brand Visibility, Brand Placement, and ultimately how users understand competitive landscapes. Tracking Responses provides insight into how often, how favorably, and in what context a brand appears in AI search.
Use cases
Monitoring how often your brand appears in AI-generated Responses.
Analyzing whether your competitors are mentioned more frequently or favorably.
Identifying which Sources feed into Responses that mention your brand.
Measuring the quality of Brand Position within Responses, not just presence.
Comparing Responses across different platforms like Bing Copilot and Anthropic Claude Results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Responses vary across platforms?
Yes, the same query may generate different Responses depending on the AI engine and its underlying sources.
Why are Responses important for marketers?
They reveal how a brand is positioned in AI search results and how it compares to competitors.
How do Responses differ from Sources?
Responses are the output shown to the user, while Sources are the inputs used to create that output.
What are Responses in AI search?
Responses are the full answers AI engines provide when a user submits a query.