AI Update, August 29, 2025: AI News and Views From the Past Week

Catch up on select AI news and developments from the past two weeks (in no particular order):

AI-powered search reshapes SEO and consumer behavior. A new study shows AI tools like Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity are disrupting traditional SEO. Marketers report traffic declines, with 39% seeing losses after AI Overviews launched. While 83% of marketers use AI, most limit it to basic tasks, leaving strategic integration lagging. Gen Z is adopting ChatGPT and TikTok for answers. Importance for marketers: Optimizing for AI visibility through structured data, FAQ formats, and conversational content is now essential as ranking first on Google is no longer sufficient.

ChatGPT configuration files reveal ranking signals shaping visibility. Research uncovered ChatGPT's reranking model, freshness scoring, query intent analysis, and vocabulary prioritization. Recent content and domain-specific terminology are weighted heavily, often displacing older guides. ChatGPT referrals to publishers grew 25x year-over-year, though still only 0.19% of traffic compared to Google's 41.9%. Growth is accelerating, with projections that conversational AI could overtake traditional search traffic by 2030. Importance for marketers: Keeping content fresh, technically precise, and intent-aligned is critical for appearing in AI-powered search as these ranking mechanisms evolve.

Perplexity introduces revenue sharing with publishers via Comet Plus. Perplexity AI launched Comet Plus, a $5 subscription tier that shares revenue with publishers when their content is cited, clicked, or used by AI agents. The company allocated $42.5 million for the program while lawsuits from major publishers over content use continue. Perplexity also debuted its Comet AI browser with built-in summarization and automation. Importance for marketers: This move sets a precedent for publisher compensation in AI-driven ecosystems, potentially reshaping monetization models and content partnerships in search and news distribution.