This chart showing ChatGPT vs. Gemini web traffic should have OpenAI worried (www.businessinsider.com)

Recent data from Similarweb reveals a notable shift in web traffic between OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini 3, highlighting growing competition in the AI landscape. Since the launch of Gemini 3 Pro in November, Gemini's web traffic surged by 28% in December, contrasting with ChatGPT's 5.6% decrease. While ChatGPT remains the dominant platform with 5.5 billion visitors compared to Gemini's 1.7 billion, the stark disparity in their growth rates—ChatGPT's traffic up 49.5% year-over-year versus Gemini's staggering 563.6%—signals a potential turning point in user engagement and market presence. This trend underscores the increasing urgency for OpenAI, as CEO Sam Altman has acknowledged the impact of Gemini 3 on their product strategy, prompting a "code red" internal alert to prioritize ChatGPT's development over other projects. Google's ability to integrate Gemini's capabilities into its widely used search products gives it a significant edge, squeezing OpenAI to retain user loyalty amid escalating competition. As both companies continue to expand their offerings, including ventures into image generation, the competition will likely shape the future trajectories of AI tools and their integration into everyday technology.