In one sentence
SearchGPT is an AI search feature provided by OpenAI. It is integrated into ChatGPT so that when a user asks a question, it searches the Web in real time and answers while citing the latest information.
What does it look like in practice?
When you ask ChatGPT, "What are the latest trends in Japan's domestic AI market as of May 2026?":
As of May 2026, Japan's domestic AI market...
(SearchGPT searches the Web)
According to the latest research, ... (Sources: XX, XX)
It answers using not only ChatGPT's training data but also real-time Web information.
Why is it important?
- A core ChatGPT feature: today, the majority of ChatGPT usage goes through SearchGPT
- Powerful for B2B / trend queries: handles up-to-date information beyond the training data cutoff
- Pages crawled via GPTBot become citation candidates: a primary observation target for GEO measures
Related technologies / bots
Characteristics of SearchGPT's citation behavior
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Real-time | Excellent (searches the Web at query time) |
| Explicit URLs | Fair (often mentioned in the body text) |
| Citation source tendency | Public institutions, industry media, Wikipedia |
| Use alongside training data | References both for answers |
Relationship with ChatGPT
SearchGPT is a feature built into ChatGPT, not a separate app. In GEO measures, saying "we observe via ChatGPT" includes SearchGPT.