What is ChatGPT Search, and how does it use Bing data?

Imagine a smarter, faster way to search the web — that’s ChatGPT Search. Launched recently by OpenAI, this tool combines the power of AI with the vast real-time data of Microsoft Bing and other trusted sources. It’s a fresh, interactive take on search engines, aiming to make finding information easier and more engaging.

What is ChatGPT Search, and how does it use Bing data?


How ChatGPT Search Works

ChatGPT Search feels like having a personal assistant guiding you through the web. It taps into live internet data using Bing’s index and other resources to provide accurate and timely results. What makes it special is its simplicity and user-friendly design.

To use it, you just click the globe icon to enable web search. Whether you’re curious about current events or complex topics, ask your question, and ChatGPT decides if it needs additional data. If it does, it fetches that information for you behind the scenes.

ChatGPT shows the latest news on the 2024 COP29 conference, with proper links and more search results
ChatGPT shows the latest news on the 2024 COP29 conference, with proper links and more search results

Results appear directly in the chat window, complete with source links for verification. There’s even a handy sidebar for more context, allowing you to dive deeper into your topic. You can trust the results because you can trace them back to credible sources like Reuters, Time, and Associated Press, among others.

But ChatGPT Search isn’t just about text. It brings visuals, maps, graphs, and other formats to make information clear and accessible. Whether it’s stock updates or sports scores, everything is presented in a way that feels personal and conversational.


ChatGPT Search vs. Google’s AI

Google’s AI serves up summaries at the top of search results, offering a quick glance at key points. For a conversational experience, it offers Gemini, its chatbot competitor.

In contrast, ChatGPT Search is integrated into the ChatGPT platform, letting you chat about your search queries, dig deeper, and explore related questions. It doesn’t just give you answers — it creates a dynamic dialogue, powered by Bing’s real-time data.

ChatGPT Search shows links directly near the answer but also in the sidebar
ChatGPT Search shows links directly near the answer but also in the sidebar


The Role of Microsoft Bing

Bing plays a starring role in ChatGPT Search, acting as the engine behind its ability to fetch up-to-date, accurate information. Bing’s vast index allows the tool to cover everything from breaking news to niche interests.

Interestingly, Bing’s relevance as a search engine is gaining momentum thanks to this collaboration. By integrating AI into its ecosystem, Microsoft is reshaping how we think about online search.

For website owners, this means one thing: ensure your content is indexed on Bing if you want it to appear in ChatGPT Search. Without Bing’s indexing, your content may not reach this growing audience.

Ask ChatGPT Search about recent developments in stocks, and you’ll get great insights
Ask ChatGPT Search about recent developments in stocks, and you’ll get great insights


Impact on SEO

This new technology signals a shift in SEO strategies. To stay ahead, you must optimize your content not just for Google but for Bing too. Using Bing Webmaster Tools can help you identify and fix indexing issues, ensuring your site is visible in ChatGPT Search.


Paying attention to Bing isn’t just about today’s audience. It’s about preparing for a future where AI-driven searches dominate. As ChatGPT Search evolves, its ability to connect people with the right content will make it even more critical for your content to rank well.

As it’s a chatbot, you can simply ask questions if you are looking for specific topics or answers
As it’s a chatbot, you can simply ask questions if you are looking for specific topics or answers

Introducing OAI-SearchBot

To help websites appear in search results, OpenAI has rolled out OAI-SearchBot, a crawler designed specifically for search purposes. Unlike GPTBot, this crawler doesn’t train AI models but focuses solely on surfacing content for ChatGPT Search.

If you want to participate, make sure your robots.txt file allows OAI-SearchBot. But if you’d prefer to opt out, you can block it easily.


Future Developments

OpenAI isn’t stopping here. They’re already working on features for shopping, travel, and even voice-activated searches. Imagine planning a trip, comparing prices, or getting restaurant recommendations — all within a single chat.

The integration of tools like Advanced Voice Mode and Canvas hints at a future where searching isn’t just efficient but immersive.


As the system learns and improves, ChatGPT Search will deliver even more precise answers. With the addition of new media partners, the content will grow richer and more diverse, covering every topic imaginable.

ChatGPT Search has specific interfaces for specific pieces of news, like the weather
ChatGPT Search has specific interfaces for specific pieces of news, like the weather

A New Era of Search

ChatGPT Search is more than just a search tool — it’s a game-changer. By combining AI with Bing’s power, it offers a fresh approach to finding and understanding information. It’s fast, conversational, and reliable, making it a strong contender in the world of search technology.

For businesses and content creators, this means rethinking strategies and finding ways to reach this new audience. As ChatGPT Search evolves, it opens doors to innovative opportunities, ensuring your content finds its place in the AI-driven future of search.