OpenAI is testing SearchGPT, an AI-powered search prototype that will ultimately compete against Google’s Search Generative Experience and Perplexity’s AI. SearchGPT is now being tested by a small group of users and publishers helping to shape the final product with their feedback.

SearchGPT features combine OpenAI models with information from the web. It is designed to quickly respond to questions with up-to-date information and provide links to relevant sources. SearchGPT takes a conversational approach and gives users the ability to ask follow-up questions.

Transparency of sources will be a key feature. SearchGPT is designed to help users connect with publishers by prominently citing and linking to them in searches. Responses have clear, in-line, named attribution and links so users know where information is coming from and can quickly engage with even more results in a sidebar with source links.

In addition to launching the SearchGPT prototype, OpenAI is also launching a way for publishers to manage how they appear in SearchGPT. SearchGPT is separate from training OpenAI’s generative AI foundation models. Sites can be surfaced in search results even if they opt out of generative AI training.

The SearchGPT prototype is temporary and a final version will eventually be integrated directly into ChatGPT.