DuckDuckGo search saw 28% more visits after Google said people love AI mode

DuckDuckGo’s search engine saw a 28% increase in visits in late May 2026, following Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s statement that users love its AI mode, underscoring shifting user preferences toward privacy-focused search options.

Between May 20 and May 25, visits to DuckDuckGo’s AI-free search page noai.duckduckgo.com increased by an average of 22.7% week-on-week, peaking at 27.7% on May 24, according to Hacker News sources. The DuckDuckGo mobile app also experienced a significant uptick in installs, with US downloads rising by 18.1% on average and peaking at 30.5% on May 25. iOS installs showed an even larger growth, averaging 33% week-on-week with a peak of 69.9%. These figures emerged shortly after Google CEO Sundar Pichai claimed that “People love [Search’s AI Mode],” prompting criticism from DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg, who emphasized user choice and privacy. Despite the growth, Google continues to dominate the US search market with approximately 85%, compared to DuckDuckGo’s 2%. Google reported a 19% increase in search revenue during Q1 2026, driven by AI features like AI Mode and AI Overviews. DuckDuckGo maintains a focus on privacy, stating that its AI products do not collect search histories or chats, nor use data for training AI models.

Why It Matters

This development highlights a potential shift in user preferences toward privacy-centric search engines as concerns grow over AI-driven search results and data privacy. While Google remains dominant, increased interest in alternatives like DuckDuckGo could influence future search engine strategies and user behavior, especially as AI features become more prevalent across platforms.

Background

Google’s AI mode was publicly promoted by CEO Sundar Pichai last week, claiming high user satisfaction. Learn more about Google’s AI mode. Meanwhile, DuckDuckGo has positioned itself as a privacy-focused alternative, emphasizing user control and data privacy. The recent growth in DuckDuckGo’s traffic and installs suggests some users are seeking options that prioritize privacy over integrated AI features.

“People love [Search’s AI Mode].”

— Sundar Pichai

“Google is force-feeding AI with no way to opt out. We want to be the place that puts users in charge and allows them to decide how much or how little AI they want.”

— Gabriel Weinberg

“People just want a choice.”

— Kamyl Bazbaz

What Remains Unclear

It remains unclear whether the increase in DuckDuckGo’s visits is directly attributable to Google’s AI mode promotion or other factors, such as general dissatisfaction with AI-heavy search results. The long-term impact on market share and user behavior is still uncertain, as Google continues to dominate the search landscape.

What’s Next

Monitoring search traffic trends and user engagement over the coming months will clarify whether this shift persists. Additionally, further statements from Google and DuckDuckGo, along with user surveys, may shed light on evolving preferences and the future role of AI in search.

Key Questions

Why did DuckDuckGo see an increase in search visits?

The increase followed Google’s public claim that users love its AI mode, prompting some users to seek privacy-focused alternatives like DuckDuckGo.

Does this mean DuckDuckGo is gaining market share from Google?

While DuckDuckGo experienced a 28% increase in visits, its overall market share remains small, around 2% in the US, compared to Google’s approximately 85%. Learn about recent developments in AI search results.

Is Google losing its dominance in search?

Not currently; Google continues to hold a majority of the market. The growth in DuckDuckGo indicates some user interest in alternatives but does not threaten Google’s overall dominance yet.

Will the trend continue?

It is uncertain. Continued growth depends on user perceptions of AI features, privacy concerns, and how search engines evolve their offerings in the coming months.

Source: Hacker News