What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is OpenAI's conversational AI assistant that uses large language models to engage in human-like dialogue and answer questions.

ChatGPT is OpenAI's AI assistant that can converse naturally, answer questions, write content, and help with a wide range of tasks.

Launched in November 2022, ChatGPT quickly became the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Built on OpenAI's GPT models, it enables natural conversations where users can ask questions, request help with tasks, or explore ideas. With over 200 million users, ChatGPT has fundamentally changed how people seek information and discover brands.

Deep Dive

ChatGPT represents a watershed moment in AI accessibility. While large language models existed before, ChatGPT made the technology available to everyone through a simple chat interface. Its viral growth demonstrated massive pent-up demand for conversational AI. The platform has evolved significantly since launch. ChatGPT now offers web browsing capabilities, image generation (via DALL-E), code execution, and custom GPTs for specialized tasks. The Plus subscription provides access to GPT-4 and priority access during high-demand periods. For brand visibility, ChatGPT is arguably the most important AI platform. When users ask 'What's the best CRM for startups?' or 'Which running shoes should I buy?', ChatGPT's response shapes their consideration set. Studies show that products mentioned first by ChatGPT see significant lifts in consideration and purchase intent. ChatGPT's knowledge comes from its training data (with a cutoff date) plus its web browsing feature when enabled. This dual nature means brands need to consider both their historical web presence (for training data) and current online presence (for web-enabled queries). The platform continues to expand, with enterprise versions, API access, and an app store for custom GPTs - all creating more touchpoints where brand visibility matters.

Why It Matters

ChatGPT matters because it has become a primary discovery channel for millions of consumers. When someone asks ChatGPT to recommend a product, service, or solution, they're essentially outsourcing their research. The brands ChatGPT mentions become the consideration set. This represents both threat and opportunity. Brands with strong AI visibility benefit from recommendations. Those invisible to ChatGPT lose customers who would have found them through traditional search. Monitoring and improving ChatGPT visibility is now essential for any serious marketing strategy.

Examples

Describing consumer behavior: Before buying anything over $100, I ask ChatGPT for recommendations. It's faster than reading dozens of reviews.

In a marketing meeting: We need to monitor what ChatGPT says when people ask about our product category. That's where buyers start now.

Discussing platform importance: ChatGPT has 200 million users. If it doesn't recommend us, we're missing a huge discovery channel.

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: ChatGPT always has current information. Reality: Base ChatGPT has a knowledge cutoff date. Only with web browsing enabled can it access current information.

Misconception: ChatGPT recommendations are random. Reality: Recommendations are based on training data patterns. Brands with strong, consistent online presence tend to be mentioned more.

Misconception: You can pay to be recommended by ChatGPT. Reality: There's no advertising system in ChatGPT. Visibility comes from organic presence in training data and web sources.

Key Takeaways

ChatGPT is the largest AI assistant by users: With over 200 million users, ChatGPT is where more people interact with AI than any other platform.

Brand recommendations influence purchasing: When ChatGPT recommends a brand, it shapes user consideration sets. First-mentioned brands see particular advantage.

Web browsing adds real-time capabilities: Beyond base model knowledge, ChatGPT can now search the web for current information when users enable browsing.

Custom GPTs create new visibility opportunities: Users create specialized GPTs for different purposes. Brands can build presence in these niche AI experiences.

Related Terms

OpenAI: OpenAI is the company that created and operates ChatGPT.

GPT: GPT is the model architecture that powers ChatGPT.

LLM: ChatGPT is built on large language model technology.

AI Search: ChatGPT represents the AI search paradigm, especially with web browsing enabled.

Track your ChatGPT visibility

Trakkr monitors what ChatGPT says about your brand across thousands of relevant queries. See when you're mentioned, track recommendation position, and understand how you compare to competitors. Feature: ChatGPT Monitoring