By Lubwama S.
Generative AI has officially become a major gateway to the web. Similarweb’s new 2025 Generative AI Landscape report shows just how fast the shift is happening — and why brands need to rethink visibility.
AI Use Is Exploding
GenAI platforms saw +76% growth in monthly visits and app downloads surged +319%. People aren’t just experimenting anymore — they’re using AI to search, compare, and decide.
But conversions still happen elsewhere: only 7% of AI referrals go to transactional sites. AI sparks discovery; the web closes the deal.
AI vs. Google? Not a Competition
Despite the boom, 95% of ChatGPT users still use Google. AI isn’t replacing search — it’s becoming a parallel discovery path. People ask AI first, then verify or buy through the traditional web.
Older Users Are Joining In
Nearly 30% of GenAI users are over 45. Adoption is broadening fast, making AI a cross-generational tool rather than a youth-driven trend.
Visibility in AI Matters Now
The report highlights a huge strategic shift: brands must now optimize to appear in AI answers — not just Google results.
Similarweb’s new GenAI Intelligence Toolkit tracks:
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where brands show up inside AI answers
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how often they’re cited
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and how much traffic comes from AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity
Being visible inside AI responses is becoming the new SEO.
A Fragmenting AI Market
Specialized AI tools — especially for developers — are growing even faster than general chatbots. The AI landscape is no longer one-size-fits-all.
Bottom Line
2025 marks a turning point: generative AI is reshaping how people discover information and make decisions. Brands that monitor their AI visibility and adapt their strategy now will have the advantage — before the next wave of disruption hits.
