ChatGPT

Also called: GPT, OpenAI's ChatGPT

Common prompts: "what is ChatGPT," "how does ChatGPT work," "ChatGPT vs Claude"

Definition

ChatGPT is OpenAI's consumer AI engine, launched November 2022. It is the most widely used answer engine globally — by user count, query volume, and consumer mindshare. ChatGPT is the default surface for a meaningful share of consumer product research, B2B due diligence, and journalist background work.

Why it matters

ChatGPT is the engine the typical buyer asks first. For most consumer and B2B categories, ChatGPT defines the answer layer for the largest share of the market. A brand's ChatGPT citation pattern is the single most important read in any AI Visibility audit. The other four engines matter — but ChatGPT carries disproportionate weight in citation share, citation velocity, and competitive consideration.

Example

A skincare brand's Q2 2026 audit shows 18% Citation Share on ChatGPT, 9% on Claude, 12% on Perplexity, 6% on Gemini, and 11% on Google AI Overviews. The ChatGPT read alone moves more consumer consideration than the other four combined.