February 27, 2025 | By Ben Tannenbaum

What Are People Searching for on ChatGPT? A Deep Dive into AI Search Trends

Most popular transactional searches on ChatGPT
Distribution of transactional search queries on ChatGPT, showing dominant categories like automotive and computer hardware.

Recent analysis of ChatGPT search patterns reveals fascinating insights into what users are actively seeking to purchase through AI interactions. While traditional search engines focus primarily on information discovery, ChatGPT shows a distinct pattern of transactional queries - where users explicitly express intent to purchase products or services.

Top 10 Industries on ChatGPT

  • 🚗 Automotive (15.2%) - Leading category for purchase-related queries
  • 💻 Computer Hardware (14.8%) - Strong presence in technical product searches
  • 👕 Fashion & Apparel (10.5%) - Significant interest in clothing and accessories
  • 📱 Mobile Devices (9.8%) - High engagement in smartphone queries
  • 💰 Cryptocurrency (6.2%) - Growing interest in digital currency investments
  • 🎮 Gaming (5.8%) - Strong presence in gaming hardware and software
  • 🎫 Entertainment & Tickets (4.2%) - High demand for event and entertainment access
  • 📈 Financial Products (4.0%) - Increasing interest in investment options
  • 🖼️ Digital Assets (3.8%) - Growing market for NFTs and digital collectibles
  • 🔌 Electronics (3.5%) - Consistent demand for electronic devices and accessories

Regional Brand Leaders & Emerging Companies by Industry

IndustryUnited StatesEuropeIsrael
Automotive (#1)Tesla, Ford, RivianVolkswagen, Rimac, PolestarChampion Motors, UMI, REE Automotive
Computer Hardware (#2)Dell, System76, FrameworkLenovo, Pine64, TUXEDOKSP, Bug, Ivory
Fashion & Apparel (#3)Nike, Reformation, EverlaneZara, Vestiaire, About YouCastro, Retema, Maskit
Mobile Devices (#4)Apple, Fairphone US, LightNothing, Fairphone, VollaPartner, Pelephone, Golan Telecom
Cryptocurrency (#5)Coinbase, Kraken, GeminiBitstamp, Bitpanda, NuriBits of Gold, Bit2C, Papaya
Gaming (#6)Valve, Panic, AnalogueCD Projekt, 11 bit, FrontierPlaya Games, Tacticsoft, Jelly Button
Entertainment & Tickets (#7)SeatGeek, AXS, EventbriteDICE, Resident Advisor, TixrEventim Israel, Leaan, TLV Shows
Financial Products (#8)Robinhood, Public, BettermentRevolut, N26, QontoPepper, eToro, Bit
Digital Assets (#9)OpenSea, Foundation, SuperRareSorare, Rarible, KnownOriginCryptoJungle, Niio, Fuse.art
Electronics (#10)Adafruit, SparkFun, MonopricePimoroni, RS Components, ConradRobotican, RoboTiCan, MicroRobot

Key Insights

  • High-value items dominate transactional queries
  • Strong presence of digital products and cryptocurrencies
  • Regional variations show local brand strength
  • Price comparison queries are common
  • Detailed product research dominates pre-purchase conversations

Understanding transactional intent on ChatGPT differs significantly from traditional search engines. Users often engage in more detailed conversations about products, seeking personalized recommendations and comparing options before making purchase decisions. For a deeper understanding of how search intent differs between ChatGPT and traditional search engines, check out our detailed analysis here.

Looking Forward

As ChatGPT continues to evolve, we expect to see shifts in search patterns and user behavior. Brands that understand and adapt to these emerging trends will be better positioned to capture AI-driven consumer attention and purchasing intent.

For more insights on optimizing your brand's presence in AI responses, contact getaiso.com today.