The latest Datos by Semrush “State of Search” report is out, and the data tells a very different story from the hype around AI search. According to data collected from millions of devices, traditional search is still dominating online behavior.
AI Search vs Traditional Search: What the Real Data Says
Everyone is talking about AI replacing Google Search, but the latest search data shows a different reality.
Is AI replacing traditional search?
Not really.
Traditional search engines like Google still handle the vast majority of searches. AI tools are growing, but search engines continue to dominate user behavior online.
2. Is AI growing faster than search?
Not in real numbers.
Traditional search is still and total users and overall searches. AI usage is increasing but search traffic still bigger than AI Traffic.
Is Google AI Mode already massive?
No.
Google’s AI Mode is growing but if you look its current market share is really surprise and extremely lass then 0/2% according to the report
Is ChatGPT dominating AI search forever?
Competition is increasing
You know ChatGPT still the Leader, but its has been slowed from past months. Meanwhile, Gemini continues gaining market share and its 2nd most popular AI Platform.
AI tools are important and growing, but traditional search is still the biggest source of online discovery, traffic, and visibility.
AI Tools are very important and growing, but not forget traditional search is still the largest source of online traffic and visibility.
Loads more graphs, charts, and data trended over time in the full version here: https://datos.live/report/state-of-search-q1-2026/