When it comes to identifying relevant sources for appearing in AI search engines – or understanding which sources AI search engines actually utilize – ongoing research is essential. As previous studies have already demonstrated, the sources preferred by AI engines tend to shift over time.
Over time, LinkedIn has emerged as a preferred source – a trend highlighted in a study by Semrush. This ascent was observed across three of the most prominent answer engines: ChatGPT Search, Google AI Mode, and Perplexity. Key parameters regarding the content utilized include the length of the article or post, as well as the author’s activity level and expertise – rather than mere popularity in terms of share frequency. All in all, it is evident that quality is the primary preference.
The same holds true for other preferred sources. With few exceptions, the sources cited by these AI search engines fall into one of two categories: news-sharing platforms that offer premium subscription options for authors, or sites possessing high domain authority such as Wikipedia and YouTube.
Further details, insights, and a list of the top 20 sources can be found in the following article: