ChatGPT now serves as the default homepage for the majority of its users, reshaping how people start their web sessions and challenging Google’s long‑standing search dominance. A recent industry survey shows that more than 70 percent of ChatGPT subscribers have set the AI chat interface as their first browser page, diverting traffic that traditionally flowed to Google.
The Shift to an AI‑First Homepage
The survey tracked homepage settings for over one million active ChatGPT users across multiple regions. Results reveal a clear trend: users are bypassing traditional search boxes and launching the AI chat directly, turning the chatbot into both the entry point and the answer provider for web queries.
Why Default Settings Matter
For decades, Google has secured its position by being the default search provider on major platforms, funneling billions of ad impressions through its search results. When ChatGPT becomes the default page, users no longer need to type a separate query; they can ask the AI for information, links, or summaries instantly, reshaping the flow of web traffic.
Google’s Countermoves
In response, Google has accelerated the rollout of its conversational assistant Gemini 3 and deepened its partnership with Apple to integrate AI capabilities more tightly into the Apple ecosystem. These initiatives aim to retain user attention at the web’s front door and mitigate the traffic shift toward ChatGPT.
Impact on Advertising Models
If AI chat becomes the primary gateway, the classic “search‑click” advertising model could erode. Advertisers may need to explore new formats such as sponsored AI responses or in‑chat placements, as answers are delivered directly within the chat window, reducing the incentive for users to click through to external sites.
Antitrust and Market Competition
The rise of an AI‑first homepage introduces a viable alternative to Google’s search monopoly, potentially weakening antitrust arguments that rely on a single dominant entry point. Regulators will likely examine how AI chat interfaces affect competition and whether they create a more balanced market.
Future Outlook
As mobile usage continues to dominate and users gravitate toward conversational AI for quick answers, the balance of power at the web’s entry point is poised for realignment. Ongoing developments from both OpenAI and Google will determine whether ChatGPT’s default‑homepage momentum translates into a lasting shift in online traffic patterns.
