AI search · Beginner

ChatGPT search

ChatGPT search is the feature that lets ChatGPT look up current information on the web and answer with links to its sources. Pages must be reachable by OpenAI's OAI-SearchBot to be shown and cited.

By Thryv StudioUpdated

Category
AI search
Level
Beginner
Operator
OpenAI
Crawler
OAI-SearchBot
Shows
Inline citations and source links
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Robots.txt Checker

ChatGPT search lets the assistant decide, or the user ask, to search the web before answering. The answer includes inline citations and a list of sources. OpenAI launched it in 2024 after testing it as SearchGPT.

It draws on OpenAI's own crawler, OAI-SearchBot, and on search partners, so both your crawl access and your standing in web search matter.

How to appear in it

  1. Allow OAI-SearchBot in robots.txt and make sure your firewall doesn't block it.
  2. Make key content readable in the HTML without JavaScript.
  3. Answer buyer questions directly and specifically.
  4. Build the third-party mentions ChatGPT tends to cite in your category.

Frequently asked questions

Does ChatGPT use Bing?

OpenAI works with search partners and its own crawler. Being well indexed in the major search engines, Bing included, helps.

Can I tell which visits come from ChatGPT?

Yes: look for the referrer chatgpt.com in your analytics.

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