Google AI Overviews vs. AI Chatbots: Who Will Win the Search Race?

Generative AI is now central to search. Google shows AI-generated summaries (AI Overviews) at the top of many results, while users can ask ChatGPT and other bots directly. Both use large language models, but they serve different needs. As of mid-2025, AI Overviews appear in over half of Google searches, and nearly a billion people use AI chatbots weekly. These trends are rewriting the rules of search marketing and SEO today. This article compares them head-to-head and explains what content creators should do. It also highlights AI SEO strategies to stay ahead.

What are Google AI Overviews?

Google’s AI Overviews (part of its Search Generative Experience, or SGE) are concise, AI-written answers that show up at the top of search results. They use Google’s Gemini model to summarize information from across the web. An AI Overview gives a short answer (with text, images or lists) to a user’s question. These summaries appear automatically and cannot be turned off. For example, an AI Overview might answer “how to tie a tie” by summarizing steps from several sites. By mid-2025, Overviews showed up in more than 50% of queries. Learning how to get featured in Google AI Overviews is now critical for content creators.

What are AI chatbots and how do they work?

AI chatbots are conversational tools that let users ask questions in natural language. For example, ChatGPT (by OpenAI) generates answers from its trained model. Originally it could not fetch live web data, so answers might not be current. In late 2024, OpenAI added a web-search feature, so ChatGPT can now retrieve up-to-date info and include source links. Another tool, Perplexity AI, uses GPT-4 and always provides links to websites in its answers. Businesses are also exploring Ads on ChatGPT as a new way to reach users.

How do AI Overviews and chatbots differ?

• Interface: Google’s Overviews appear in the Google Search results page. Chatbots run on separate platforms (ChatGPT.com, Bing Chat, etc.).

• Interaction: An AI Overview gives a one-time answer. In a chatbot, the user can ask follow-up questions for more detail. This is especially important when comparing Grok 3 vs ChatGPT for conversational AI capabilities.

• Usage: Google still handles most queries (~81.6% of traffic). ChatGPT has about 9% share, but it dominates creative or generative searches (64% vs. 29%).

• Sources: Chatbots like Perplexity always list source links, and ChatGPT now can too. Google’s AI Overviews typically do not show explicit citations.

What is the impact on search and SEO?

AI Overviews and chatbots are changing how users click. After Overviews launched, one study found 69% of news searches led to no click, and visits to news sites fell from about 2.3 billion to 1.7 billion. Many publishers report roughly 10% drops in Google referrals year-over-year.

Chatbots have started sending traffic back. ChatGPT referrals to news sites jumped from under 1M to over 25M in one year. Some publishers saw double-digit increases in ChatGPT-driven visits. Even so, this AI-driven traffic is small compared to traditional search volume. Overall, traffic is shifting. Predictive tools and Predictive AI SEO can help anticipate these trends.

How should content and SEO adapt?

Content must be clear, concise and well-structured. SEO experts note that “AI SEO is no longer optional”. Format your content so AI can grab the answers: use bullet lists, numbered steps, and clear Q&A sections. Early adopters are seeing a benefit: answer-optimized content earns more trust and higher conversion. Creating content for AI discovery is key.

• Structure for AI: Write direct answers in short paragraphs or lists under clear headings.

• Use schema: Mark up Q&A, how-to or FAQ content with schema.org tags so AI can identify your answers.

• Monitor AI metrics: Track generative search impressions (new data in analytics) and note which queries get answered.

• Diversify traffic: Strengthen other channels (email, social, direct) since some clicks may not come from search anymore.

White Bunnie recommends focusing on being the best answer wherever users look.

Conclusion: Who will win the search race?

Google’s search engine remains far larger, and AI Overviews are already a default answer format. Chatbots like ChatGPT are growing fast, especially for creative queries. Ultimately, the “winner” is the content that best answers user questions. By optimizing for both Google’s AI and for chatbots, your answers will be chosen wherever people search. Focus on being the best answer in any context. It is an ongoing learning process as these AI tools improve, so stay informed and adjust your strategy over time. Note that other players like Google’s Bard and Microsoft’s Bing Chat (which uses ChatGPT) add even more options to the search experience.

Example: Suppose a content creator searches “how to improve blog SEO in 2025”. Google might show an AI Overview with a brief list of steps, while ChatGPT would generate a more detailed explanation and let the user ask follow-up questions. Comparing these answers helps you learn which format works best for different needs.

Quick FAQs

What exactly is a Google AI Overview?
It’s an AI-generated summary at the top of Google’s results that provides a concise answer. It appears above the regular search listings.

How do AI chatbots work for search?
You type a question and the chatbot replies with a generated answer. Chatbots use large language models and can include search results. For example, ChatGPT now retrieves live web info and cites sources.

How do AI Overviews affect my site’s traffic?
AI Overviews can reduce clicks to your site. Many publishers saw around 10–20% drops in traffic after Overviews rolled out. To counter this, give a complete answer on your page so Google’s AI might use your content in its summary.

What should I do now about AI search tools?
Focus on writing clear answers. Use bullet lists, step-by-step instructions and FAQ sections so AI systems can extract your content. Keep your information accurate and up-to-date. Also track AI-driven traffic and adapt your SEO strategy accordingly.

About White Bunnie: White Bunnie is a digital marketing agency specializing in SEO and content strategy. We help businesses adapt to new search technologies by creating clear, user-friendly content.

Ankit Sain

Ankit is the team head of Digital Marketing at White Bunnie, a renowned digital marketing agency. With a proven track record of driving SEO success, he spearheads innovative marketing campaigns that captivate audiences and amplify brand visibility.