AI Search
In one sentence
Users ask AI directly, and the AI synthesizes an answer from multiple sources instead of returning a list of webpage links.
Platforms such as Doubao, DeepSeek, Tencent Yuanbao, Kimi, ChatGPT, and Perplexity provide web-connected answers. Users often make decisions right after reading the answer without clicking through to the original webpages.
For brands, being included in AI answers and accurately described affects user decisions more directly than webpage rankings.
Example
When a user asks "What cream should I use for baby eczema?", the AI directly lists several brands and key criteria, along with reference sources.
Related terms
- GEO (Generative Engine Optimization)
- The optimization method to get brands and content retrieved, trusted, and included in answers by AI engines, covering generative AI platforms such as Doubao, DeepSeek, ChatGPT, and Perplexity.
- Web Search
- A feature where AI searches the web for the latest content before answering, then generates its response based on the retrieved web pages.
- Zero-Click Search
- A search where users get their answer directly on the results page or within the AI response without clicking through to any website.
- Citation Sources
- The webpages, articles, or platforms referenced and cited by AI when answering questions. Becoming a cited source is a prerequisite for a brand to be recommended by AI.
Further reading
GEO Guide
Which Websites Do Chinese AI Search Engines Cite Most?
There is no universal AI domain authority ranking in China. AI engines cite primary sources responsible for specific facts, not platform reputation.
Oct 18, 2026 · 10 min read
GEO Guide
7 Steps to Get Cited by AI Search Engines
Make your page publicly accessible and fact-checked, then track results with a fixed question set. No method guarantees citations, but this testing workflow works.
Oct 18, 2026 · 8 min read
GEO Guide
What Content Does Metaso AI Search Prefer to Cite?
Publicly accessible pages with direct answers and verifiable evidence are most likely to be cited by Metaso AI Search.
Oct 17, 2026 · 10 min read
