Web Search
In one sentence
A feature where AI searches the web for the latest content before answering, then generates its response based on the retrieved web pages.
Without web browsing, AI can only rely on the older knowledge learned during training. With web browsing enabled, it consults recently published web pages, articles, and platform content.
Different AI models prefer different web sources. For example, some cite news sites and encyclopedias more frequently, while others quote Q&A communities more often. GEO strategies should therefore select publishing platforms based on the target AI.
Example
With web browsing enabled, asking 'What news happened in the AI industry this week?' prompts the AI to provide reports from the past few days along with reference links.
Related terms
- AI Search
- Users ask AI directly, and the AI synthesizes an answer from multiple sources instead of returning a list of webpage links.
- 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.
- 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.
