Definition
ChatGPT Search is the part of ChatGPT that looks up information on the web when answering. It can run automatically when a question needs current information, or a user can request it. Answers produced this way can include inline citations and a list of sources that link to the pages used.
For example, a user asking ChatGPT which mineral sunscreens are currently well reviewed might get an answer citing a skincare publication and Sunnara's product page. OpenAI states that its OAI-SearchBot crawler is used for these search features, so access for that crawler matters.
Why it matters
ChatGPT is widely used, and when its search feature runs, the sources it cites show which pages are shaping answers about your category. Being cited gives buyers a direct path to your site; being absent means other pages are framing the answer. Because search runs for some questions and not others, and results vary between sessions, tracking a consistent set of questions over time is more reliable than checking once.
What to do
- Confirm robots.txt and firewall rules allow OAI-SearchBot if you want to appear in results.
- Ask ChatGPT your key buyer questions and record which sources it cites.
- Check analytics for referral visits from chatgpt.com to see which pages receive clicks.
Common questions
How does ChatGPT Search choose which websites to cite?
OpenAI has not published a full description of how sources are selected, and behavior can change. In general, pages must be accessible to its search crawler and relevant to the question. Clear, accurate and specific content gives the system more to work with, but no approach guarantees a citation.
Does blocking GPTBot remove my site from ChatGPT Search?
According to OpenAI's documentation, GPTBot and OAI-SearchBot are separate. GPTBot relates to collecting training data, while OAI-SearchBot is used for search features. Blocking GPTBot alone is a training decision. For your pages to appear in ChatGPT Search results, OAI-SearchBot needs to be allowed.