What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is OpenAI's conversational AI assistant that uses large language models to engage in human-like dialogue and answer questions.
Launched in November 2022, ChatGPT quickly became the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Built on OpenAI's GPT models, it enables natural conversations where users can ask questions, request help with tasks, or explore ideas. With over 200 million users, ChatGPT has fundamentally changed how people seek information and discover brands.
Why it matters
ChatGPT matters because it has become a primary discovery channel for millions of consumers. When someone asks ChatGPT to recommend a product, service, or solution, they're essentially outsourcing their research. The brands ChatGPT mentions become the consideration set. This represents both threat and opportunity. Brands with strong AI visibility benefit from recommendations. Those invisible to ChatGPT lose customers who would have found them through traditional search. Monitoring and improving ChatGPT visibility is now essential for any serious marketing strategy.
What people get wrong
- ChatGPT always has current information. Base ChatGPT has a knowledge cutoff date. Only with web browsing enabled can it access current information.
- ChatGPT recommendations are random. Recommendations are based on training data patterns. Brands with strong, consistent online presence tend to be mentioned more.
- You can pay to be recommended by ChatGPT. There's no advertising system in ChatGPT. Visibility comes from organic presence in training data and web sources.
Related terms
OpenAI: OpenAI is the company that created and operates ChatGPT.
GPT: GPT is the model architecture that powers ChatGPT.
LLM: ChatGPT is built on large language model technology.
AI Search: ChatGPT represents the AI search paradigm, especially with web browsing enabled.
Track your ChatGPT visibility
Trakkr monitors what ChatGPT says about your brand across thousands of relevant queries. See when you're mentioned, track recommendation position, and understand how you compare to competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get ChatGPT to recommend my brand?
Build strong presence in authoritative online sources. ChatGPT learns from training data, so consistent, positive mentions across quality sites increase recommendation likelihood.
Does ChatGPT always give the same recommendations?
No. Responses vary based on how questions are phrased, conversation context, and some inherent randomness. Monitoring across many queries gives the full picture.
Can I see what ChatGPT says about my brand?
You can query ChatGPT directly, but systematic monitoring requires tools like Trakkr that track responses across many relevant queries over time.
Is ChatGPT replacing Google for product research?
For many users, yes - especially younger demographics. Studies show growing preference for asking AI directly rather than searching and clicking through results.