By Darrin Gerr, CEO of Agency Jet.
AI search is transforming how users find answers online. Just as SEO built success in Google’s early days, it remains the foundation for visibility in AI-driven search. This guide highlights the top 25 AI search platforms of 2025 and shares optimization tips for each, from structured data and schema to building authority and fact-rich content. Businesses that adapt now with AEO and GEO strategies will gain an early edge and secure lasting visibility in the AI search era.
Why This Matters for Your Business
AI search is replacing traditional search engines as the fastest, most direct way people find answers. Instead of typing a query into Google and scanning 10 blue links, users are now asking AI models while getting full, cited answers in seconds.
However, did you know there are more than ChatGPT, Gemini AI platforms available today, and the list is growing weekly. Which one will be the leader and dominate like Google does in search? Time will tell, so you need to start with the basics to make sure your website isn’t left behind and is prepared for the AI sprint to the top.
If SEO was the foundation for winning in Google, it is now the foundation for winning in AI search. The same signals, content quality, authority, and structured data feed AI models, but the platforms are multiplying, and each has its own nuances. How many can you name?
When you read the title and you see there are 25 AI search platforms, but did you know there are actually 12 major platforms actively used? However, there are extended directories of nearly 30 of them, including lesser-known or niche engines.
This guide lists the 25 most important AI search platforms in 2025 and gives you a specific optimization tip for each. Use it to expand your reach beyond Google and position your brand where search is headed.
The Rise of AI Search Platforms
- AI search platforms combine large language models (LLMs) with real-time web access to deliver complete answers, often without a click.
- They power zero-click experiences, where the AI answers the question directly in the interface.
- Early adopters of AI optimization (AEO, GEO) are locking in advantages similar to the first movers in Google SEO in the 2000s.
Top 25 AI Search Platforms in 2025 With Agency Jets' Top Optimization Tips
|
# |
Platform |
Specialization |
Optimization Tip |
|
1 |
ChatGPT (OpenAI) |
General AI Q&A, conversational search, GPT Store plugins |
Write concise, source-cited answers with clear headings and lists; keep content fresh |
|
2 |
Google Search: AI Overviews / AI Mode / Gemini |
Integrated AI summaries above SERPs |
Max E-E-A-T, schema, and entity clarity to earn inclusion |
|
3 |
Microsoft Copilot Search (Bing) |
AI + Bing results with citations |
Target question queries; structure pages to surface in summaries |
|
4 |
Perplexity |
Source-cited AI with web integration |
Build topic hubs and earn citations from trusted domains |
|
5 |
Claude (Anthropic) |
Long-context, accuracy-first AI |
Publish long, verified explainers with clear formatting |
|
6 |
You.com / ARI |
AI-powered browsing and summarization |
Provide skimmable facts and comparisons with citations |
|
7 |
Kagi + Kagi Assistant |
Quality-first search with an AI assistant |
Optimize for authority and clarity; avoid thin content |
|
8 |
DuckDuckGo AI |
Privacy-first AI search |
Use clean, clearly sourced answers that summarize well |
|
9 |
Brave Search Summarizer |
Multi-source AI answers |
Provide fact-dense paragraphs with citations |
|
10 |
Arc Search (“Browse for Me”) |
Summarized multi-page browsing |
Use strong intros, TL;DRs, and step-by-step guides |
|
11 |
Komo AI |
Interactive research and search |
Provide outline-friendly, source-backed content |
|
12 |
Andi |
Visual, chat-style search |
Write in plain language; keep references ad-light |
|
13 |
Phind |
Developer-focused AI search |
Add code blocks, specs, and structured technical info |
|
14 |
Apple Intelligence + Siri |
Task-oriented, voice-driven answers |
Mark up FAQs and how-tos for instant responses |
|
15 |
Meta AI Search |
Social + AI integration |
Strengthen brand/entity signals to be recognized |
|
16 |
Consensus |
Academic research synthesis |
Publish or cite peer-reviewed sources and summaries |
|
17 |
Elicit |
Academic research assistance |
Provide abstracts, methodology, and key findings |
|
18 |
Scite |
Evidence-based citation search |
Include supporting and contrasting evidence |
|
19 |
Wolfram |
Alpha |
Computable data answers |
|
20 |
Glean |
Enterprise work search |
Create authoritative internal documentation |
|
21 |
Azure AI Search |
Enterprise hybrid retrieval |
Structure content for both keyword and vector search |
|
22 |
Elastic Enterprise Search |
Flexible enterprise search |
Maintain clean metadata and schema |
|
23 |
Algolia AI Search |
Product search with AI ranking |
Use rich product attributes and synonyms |
|
24 |
Coveo AI Search |
Contextual personalization |
Map intents to FAQs and authoritative docs |
|
25 |
Opera Aria |
Browser-based AI answers |
Publish digestible summaries and step-by-step guides |
Common AI Optimization Principles Across All Platforms
No matter which AI platform you target, the fundamentals are the same:
- Entity Authority: Make your brand a recognized, trusted entity in your space.
- Schema Markup: Give AI context through structured data.
- Fact-Rich Content: Prioritize accuracy, completeness, and clarity.
- Format for Extraction: Use headers, lists, and summaries that AI can easily parse.
- Update Frequently: AI rewards freshness, especially for fast-changing topics.
Why SEO Still Powers AI Search Optimization
AI platforms use multiple signals to decide which content to trust. Traditional SEO best practices, like backlink authority, keyword relevance, and page experience, still matter because they’re inputs into AI’s trust and ranking algorithms.
For a step-by-step foundation, start with How to Rank in AI Search With Search with SEO.
Preparing for 2026: The AI Priority Shift
By 2026, AI-driven discovery will be the default search behavior for most users. Businesses that adapt their SEO for AI platforms now will have a permanent head start in visibility, trust, and lead generation.
FAQs about AI Search and Platforms
Q: What are the top AI search platforms in 2025?
A: ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Microsoft Copilot, Perplexity, Claude, You.com, Kagi, DuckDuckGo AI, Brave Search Summarizer, Arc Search, and more.
Q: How do I optimize for AI search?
A: Focus on structured, fact-rich, clearly sourced content that builds entity authority and is formatted for extraction.
Q: Is SEO still important for AI search results?
A: Yes — AI models use SEO signals to decide which sources to trust and cite.
Q: What is Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?
A: The practice of optimizing content for generative AI platforms, similar to SEO but targeted at AI’s retrieval and response patterns.
Q: Can Agency Jet help you implement AI into your marketing?
A: The answer is yes, and it starts with a simple 100% SEO & AI search educational consultation, then schedule a call with the Author of this Blog, Darrin Gerr, here.
