There are indications that a new domain, “search.chatgpt.com,” may pose a challenge to Google’s dominance in the search engine industry. A Reddit user discovered this domain, suggesting the potential launch of a ChatGPT-powered search engine.
Google has long been the dominant player in the search engine market, holding over 91% market share in 2024. However, ChatGPT, with its advanced capabilities, has gained popularity surpassing Google’s Gemini chatbot.
While ChatGPT has been integrated into various platforms such as CRMs and social media, an official ChatGPT search engine has yet to be announced. Nonetheless, the discovery of SSL certificates for the domain “search.chatgpt.com” on Reddit indicates the possibility of a ChatGPT search engine in the near future.
Interestingly, visiting the URL does not result in the typical 404 error or warning message for non-existent websites. Instead, a cryptic message of “Not found.” appears in the upper left-hand corner. This mysterious clue suggests that ChatGPT search is indeed on its way.
The Benefits of a ChatGPT Search Engine
Generative AI technology, like ChatGPT, offers more sophisticated responses and engages in conversational interactions, making it highly valuable for search purposes. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has expressed interest in exploring the intersection of language models and search, indicating the potential of a ChatGPT search engine.
While Google’s longstanding reign as the primary search engine seemed unassailable, OpenAI and Microsoft have made significant advancements in AI, with Microsoft’s Copilot-powered Bing search engine gaining ground. Moreover, Google has faced competition from platforms like Instagram and TikTok, as younger users turn to social media for queries.
The ChatGPT search engine presents an opportunity to challenge Google’s position, but its ability to compete remains to be seen. Until an official announcement is made, Google’s dominance is unlikely to be disrupted.
