Since mid-2024, ChatGPT has emerged as one of the most visited websites globally, surpassing major platforms like Amazon, X, Reddit, WhatsApp, and Wikipedia in monthly visitors. According to web analytics firm Similarweb, ChatGPT now ranks as the fifth most popular site worldwide, trailing only Google, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. This milestone reflects not only the rapid adoption of AI chatbots but also the growing influence of generative AI in everyday digital interactions.
Monthly visits to ChatGPT reached an impressive 6.3 billion in September 2025, capturing the vast majority of traffic across AI platforms. As usage expands across age groups and competition intensifies, ChatGPT’s rise highlights a transformative shift in how people access information and engage online.
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A Rising Star in Web Traffic
According to web analytics firm Similarweb, ChatGPT now ranks as the fifth most popular website globally in terms of monthly visitors, trailing only Google, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram as of September 2025. This milestone underscores the rapid adoption of AI-powered chatbots worldwide.
While ChatGPT remains the only chatbot to surpass major traditional platforms, traffic to AI chatbots in general has surged. Web visits to leading AI chatbots grew 76% year-on-year, and mobile app sessions increased sevenfold. In September alone, ChatGPT attracted 6.3 billion visitors, representing 76% of all traffic to generative AI platforms. Google’s Gemini ranked second with just over 1 billion users, capturing 12.57% of the total visits.
Other AI Chatbots Make Smaller Gains
No other chatbot has achieved a comparable market share. China’s DeepSeek accounted for approximately 4% of generative AI platform visits, while X’s Grok and AI search engine Perplexity each drew just over 2% of traffic.
Expanding Demographics
The audience for AI chatbots is becoming increasingly diverse. In 2023, 61% of chatbot usage came from users aged 18–34. By 2025, that demographic’s share dropped to 53%, reflecting growing adoption among older users. Visitors aged 45 and above now represent nearly 30% of total usage, highlighting the broadening appeal of conversational AI.
OpenAI Focuses on User Experience
Despite ChatGPT’s dominance, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reportedly issued a “code red” earlier this week, urging the company to prioritize improvements to the chatbot’s user experience. This follows strong performance by competitors, including Google’s recently launched Gemini 3, which has achieved notable results across several benchmarks.
Legal Challenges
OpenAI also faces legal scrutiny. In April 2025, Ziff Davis, the parent company of PCMag, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging copyright infringement in the training and operation of its AI systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How popular is ChatGPT compared to other websites?
As of September 2025, ChatGPT is the fifth most visited website globally, following Google, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, according to Similarweb.
How many people use ChatGPT each month?
ChatGPT attracted approximately 6.3 billion visitors in September 2025, accounting for 76% of all traffic to generative AI platforms.
How does ChatGPT compare to other AI chatbots?
Google’s Gemini is the second most popular AI chatbot with just over 1 billion visitors, while other platforms like DeepSeek, X’s Grok, and Perplexity hold significantly smaller shares.
Has the demographic of AI chatbot users changed?
Yes. In 2023, users aged 18–34 made up 61% of chatbot usage. By 2025, that number declined to 53%, as adoption grew among older age groups. Users aged 45 and above now represent nearly 30% of total usage.
What steps is OpenAI taking to maintain ChatGPT’s lead?
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has reportedly declared a “code red,” focusing the company on enhancing the user experience of ChatGPT in response to growing competition, including Google’s Gemini 3.
Is OpenAI facing any legal issues?
Yes. In April 2025, Ziff Davis filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging copyright infringement in the training and operation of its AI systems.
Conclusion
ChatGPT’s meteoric rise highlights the growing influence of AI-driven tools on the digital landscape. Surpassing major platforms in monthly visitors, it has established itself not only as the leading chatbot but also as a dominant force in web traffic globally. The shift in user demographics and the rapid adoption across age groups underscore the broadening appeal of generative AI, while the competitive pressures from rivals like Google’s Gemini and ongoing legal challenges illustrate the evolving complexities of the AI industry.
