Where does AI get its information from?
The sources used by ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews reveal a surprising trend: Reddit is cited in more than 40% of AI-generated answers, while your brand’s website is likely referenced in almost 0% of cases.
The main sources AI cites are:
- Reddit – 40.11%: Rich in user reviews, personal experiences, and discussions.
- Wikipedia – 26.33%: Neutral, comprehensive information with references.
- YouTube – 23.52%: Tutorials, expert commentary, and visual explanations.
- Google – 23.28%: Search results, knowledge panels, and auto-generated snippets.
AI information sources
The data shows that AI favors platforms with user-generated content, diverse opinions, and frequent updates. For businesses, this means published content needs to include the qualities that AI systems value and cite.
The most common reasons why AI doesn’t cite websites:
- No active community discussions
- Insufficient neutrality and depth
- Lack of diverse perspectives
- Content is rarely updated
Reddit is cited 35× more often than traditional brand pages because it offers authenticity and depth. The winners will be brands that deliver real value through genuine conversations—not those with the biggest ad budgets. Create deep, neutral content that AI can use, build knowledge panels, and produce explanatory videos!
By tailoring your content to what AI values: community engagement, authenticity, and regular updates, you ensure your brand’s information becomes part of trusted AI sources.
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