OpenAI’s meteoric rise in the world of artificial intelligence tools is nothing short of remarkable. In just a few short months, it has captured nearly 80% of all generative AI tool traffic, leaving competitors scrambling to catch up. But what’s behind this surge, and what does it mean for the future of AI platforms?
The Numbers Tell the Story
Recent data from Similarweb paints a vivid picture: from late March to early May, OpenAI’s daily average visits soared from 150 million to 190 million. By May 9, OpenAI’s platforms accounted for an estimated 190 million of the 240 million daily average visits to all AI platforms. This isn’t just a win—it’s a landslide.
What’s driving this dominance? OpenAI’s relentless pace of innovation, particularly with the release of GPT-4o, has kept users engaged and curious. The company’s strong branding and seamless integration into enterprise workflows—thanks in part to partnerships with Microsoft—have only solidified its position at the top.
Google Gemini: A Distant Second
While Google is a household name, its Gemini AI tools have yet to become a go-to destination for users. Despite being widely integrated into Google Search and Workspace, Gemini’s daily average visits have remained flat at around 25 million. Even the rollout of Gemini 2.5 brought only a modest uptick in traffic.
This suggests that while Gemini is present in many digital spaces, it hasn’t captured the imagination or loyalty of users in the same way as OpenAI’s offerings.
The Rise of DeepSeek and Grok
The AI landscape isn’t just a two-horse race. DeepSeek, a Chinese open-source large language model provider, has quickly climbed the ranks, now boasting about 20 million daily average visits. Its rapid growth highlights a growing appetite—especially in Asia—for open, customizable, and potentially more affordable AI solutions.
Meanwhile, Grok, developed by Elon Musk’s xAI startup, has seen impressive gains since the release of Grok 3, reaching around eight million daily average visits. Perplexity, another player known for its transparent sourcing, maintains a steady five million visits despite aggressive marketing.
What Does This Mean for Users?
For everyday users and businesses alike, these trends offer several actionable insights:
- Stay informed: The AI tools market is evolving rapidly. Keeping up with the latest updates ensures you’re leveraging the best technology for your needs.
- Explore alternatives: While OpenAI leads the pack, emerging platforms like DeepSeek and Grok may offer unique features or cost advantages, especially for those seeking open-source solutions.
- Consider integration: OpenAI’s success is partly due to its integration into enterprise workflows. Businesses should look for tools that fit seamlessly into their existing processes.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI Platforms
The current landscape suggests a consolidation around leading platforms, but the rise of open-source and innovative challengers signals that the story is far from over. As user needs evolve and new technologies emerge, the AI tools market will likely see further shifts and surprises.
Key Takeaways:
- OpenAI commands nearly 80% of generative AI tool traffic, thanks to innovation and strong partnerships.
- Google Gemini remains stable but hasn’t become a primary AI destination.
- DeepSeek and Grok are rapidly gaining ground, especially in Asia and among open-source enthusiasts.
- Users should stay informed and consider exploring alternative platforms.
- The future of AI platforms will be shaped by both consolidation and the rise of new challengers.