What ChatGPT’s 41M Users Mean for the Future of AI SEO

What if the next big shift in search wasn’t a new Google algorithm update… but ChatGPT itself? Let’s talk about how AI-driven tools are reshaping how people find information online, and what you need to do to stay ahead.

ChatGPT Search Is Booming (And It's Just Getting Started)

Did you know that ChatGPT had over 41.3 million monthly active users across the EU from October 2024 to March 2025? That’s not just a jump; it’s nearly four times the growth from the previous six months.

Now, compared to Google, ChatGPT is still small. But here’s the thing: this isn’t about who’s bigger. It’s about how people search. More users are shifting away from “10 blue links” to simply asking AI for answers. And that changes the game for SEO.

Why the EU and DSA Matter to You

You’re probably wondering: why should I care about EU policy?

Well, the Digital Services Act (DSA) defines platforms with more than 45 million users as “Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs).” Once ChatGPT hits that number, and it’s close, it’ll face more transparency regulations, especially around how it selects and ranks content.

According to OpenAI’s official DSA reporting, ChatGPT already has 41.3 million monthly active users across the EU.

That means you might soon have a clearer roadmap for how to get your content cited by AI. Think of it like SEO, but for machines instead of people.

Well, the Digital Services Act (DSA) defines platforms with more than 45 million users as “Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs).” Once ChatGPT hits that number, and it’s close, it’ll face more transparency regulations, especially around how it selects and ranks content.

That means you might soon have a clearer roadmap for how to get your content cited by AI. Think of it like SEO, but for machines instead of people.

Google Still Leads, But That’s Not the Whole Story

Let’s put this into perspective:

• Google Search (signed-in users): 355.7 million/month (EU)
• Google Search (signed-out): 424.4 million/month (EU)

So yeah, Google is still the king. But while Google is holding steady, ChatGPT is growing fast. In fact, Search Engine Land reports that globally, Google is 370x bigger than ChatGPT.

But here’s the catch: AI changes how people consume information. Users are starting to prefer direct answers, insights, and summaries. If your content isn’t built for that, you’re missing out.

What Is AI SEO, Really?

You might be thinking, “Okay, but what exactly is AI SEO?”

Great question. In short: AI SEO is optimizing your content not just to rank in Google, but to be referenced, summarized, or cited by AI engines like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Perplexity.

Here’s what makes it different from traditional SEO:

• Less about backlinks, more about authority and accuracy
• AI looks for structured, factual, neutral content
• You need to appear on trusted third-party sources (not just your blog)

Learn more about how Artificial Intelligence Optimization (AIO) is redefining SEO best practices.

How to Get Cited by AI (4 Proven Strategies)

As we enter the era of AI-assisted search, it’s time to embrace human-centered AI SEO strategies that balance machine readability with human value.

1. Earn Mentions on High-Authority Sites

AI tools like ChatGPT pull from places they trust:

• Wikipedia
• Reputable tech blogs (Zapier, PCMag)
• News outlets
• Even Reddit and Quora

The key? Get talked about where AI listens.

2. Format Your Content for Quick Answers

You know those comparison posts like “Top 10 CRMs for Small Businesses” or step-by-step guides? AI loves them.

Use:

• Lists
• FAQs
• Schema markup
• Clear headers

Make it easy to scan, and you’ll make it easy to cite.

3. Track Your AI Visibility

Want to see if you’re already being cited?

Use tools like:

• Rankscale.ai
• AlsoAsked.com

These tools help you see where you’re showing up in AI-generated responses.

4. Double Down on E-E-A-T

Google and AI alike are obsessed with Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.

So:

• Add author bios
• Link to credible sources
• Share original insights

Build trust, and the algorithms will follow.

The Hybrid Search Future: AI + Google

Let me paint a picture.

• You Google “best electric car 2025” and scroll through reviews.
• Then you hop over to ChatGPT and ask, “Which is better: Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 6?”

Welcome to the hybrid search ecosystem. Users switch between traditional search and generative AI based on what they need.

Search Intent

Tool of Choice

Quick facts or definitions

ChatGPT / Gemini

Local results

Google Search

Reviews or comparisons

Perplexity / Reddit

Services near me

Google Maps

It's Time to Think Bigger About SEO

If you’re still optimizing just for Google’s front page, you’re missing half the story. AI citations are quickly becoming the new currency of online visibility.

Want to future-proof your SEO? Then:

• Write for both humans and machines
• Get cited in places that matter
• Structure your content for summarization

You don’t need to replace your SEO strategy. You just need to evolve it.

Learn how to align your SEO strategy with the future of AI-driven search at JDS 1 Marketing.