In the whirlwind world of AI search, giants ChatGPT and Google AI Mode are charting wildly different courses. Released on November 6, 2025, the AI Visibility Index reveals ChatGPT ramping up brand mentions and pulling from a broader web pool over the last three months. Meanwhile, Google AI Mode sharpens its lens on fewer, trusted sources—signalling a more cautious evolution in how these tools deliver answers. Marketers, take note: this split could reshape your SEO strategies as AI chatbots redefine online discovery.
ChatGPT Experiments Boldly as Google AI Mode Plays It Safe

The latest report spotlights clear trends in AI search behaviours. ChatGPT surges ahead with diverse outputs, while Google AI Mode sticks to reliability. Here’s how they stack up:
- Brand Mentions on the Move: ChatGPT boosted brand shoutouts by 12% in September before easing back in October, hinting at ongoing tweaks for richer responses. Google AI Mode, however, trimmed mentions by 4%—honing in on core players for steadier results.
- Source Explosion vs. Steady Flow: ChatGPT’s source pool exploded 80% in October, drawing from fresh sites to fuel dynamic answers. Google AI Mode inched up just 13%, prioritizing proven hubs like Amazon.
- Top Brands Hold Steady: Only 25 newcomers cracked the top 100 lists across both tools, with two snagging top-50 spots. Impressively, 61 brands overlapped in elite rankings—proving leaders like Apple and Nike dominate regardless.
- Reddit’s Wild Ride: ChatGPT slashed Reddit references by 82%, yet it clings to fourth place overall. Flip side? Google AI Mode embraced Reddit with a 75% spike, citing it in one of every five replies—edging out all but Amazon.
- Industry Shifts Vary: ChatGPT amps up variety in Consumer Electronics (up 20%) and Tech & Software (up 12%), but Finance dips 15%. Google AI Mode sees most sectors shrink—except Fashion & Apparel, which bucks the trend.
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Why does this matter for brands? About two-thirds of ChatGPT‘s top picks in consistent. However, the tools’ unique sourcing quirks require tailored tactics—no one-size-fits-all approach anymore. As AI search grabs more queries, savvy marketers who adapt to these nuances will capture the spotlight.
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