How Gemini is gaining ground on ChatGPT

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  January 06, 2026 at 20:30  |  3:27  |  CNBC
Speakers
Deirdre Bosa — Anchor/Reporter, CNBC Tech Check

Summary

CNBC's Deirdre Bosa examines SimilarWeb usage data showing Google's Gemini gaining ground while ChatGPT visit growth has slowed. She argues the key signal is whether Google can convert its massive distribution into sustained usage, even as ChatGPT remains the leader. Bosa also contrasts the Google and OpenAI stock ecosystems, highlighting Google's vertical integration and custom AI chips. The next test is retention and product/enterprise stickiness.

  • Deirdre Bosa reviews SimilarWeb traffic data for ChatGPT and Gemini.
  • ChatGPT visits grew 50% in 2025 but peaked in October and are down 11% since.
  • Gemini usage rose after Gemini 3's November release, with nearly 30% gains in November/December versus OpenAI's 6% decline.
  • Bosa says the real signal may be Google converting distribution into usage, not necessarily OpenAI losing.
  • ChatGPT/OpenAI remains the undisputed leader, and retention is described as the next battleground.
  • She contrasts the OpenAI universe of Nvidia, Microsoft, and Oracle with Google's more vertically integrated stack and custom AI chips.
  • Google's strengths include distribution across Docs, Gmail, and Search plus product/enterprise focus.
Ideas
Deirdre Bosa Anchor/Reporter, CNBC Tech Check 0:59
Google may convert distribution into usage
SimilarWeb data shows Gemini usage accelerating after Gemini 3's November release while ChatGPT visits peaked in October and fell 11%, and OpenAI traffic fell about 6% in November/December. Although ChatGPT remains the undisputed leader, Bosa argues the key signal is that Google may finally be converting its massive distribution across Search, Gmail, and Docs into usage. If the trend holds, retention becomes the next battle, and Google's vertically integrated stack, including custom AI chips and enterprise/product strengths, makes it a differentiated AI investment versus the OpenAI ecosystem.
GOOG HIGH
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This CNBC video, published January 06, 2026, features Deirdre Bosa discussing GOOG. 1 trade idea extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Deirdre Bosa  · Tickers: GOOG