AI in SEO Statistics: Do people really think machines can replace humans?

Key Takeaways

• Interest in AI for SEO is rapidly increasing: Antlerzz AI in SEO statistics reveals a significant rise in interest in AI-driven SEO. In the US it grew 50% in the first six months of 2024.
• AI in SEO is not yet mainstream: Despite growing interest, AI in SEO remains a niche area, with interest levels still a small fraction of overall SEO interest.

• New AI SEO tools are driving interest: The surge in interest appears to be driven by the emergence of new AI SEO tools, especially in the US, although the UK has shown slower growth.
• SEO is evolving with AI: The integration of AI features like Google’s AI Overviews is contributing to the increased complexity in SEO, highlighting the need for new strategies rather than shortcuts.

Is AI in SEO the next big trend?

“When does a trend become the status quo? Perhaps when Bob from Accounting, eager to appear knowledgeable and cutting-edge, starts spouting buzzwords like ‘AI,’ ‘Big Data,’ and ‘triangulate.’ 

We should leverage AI to analyse Big Data so we can triangulate and correlate efficiencies!‘ he proclaims, beaming with self-satisfaction, convinced that this will shield him from the next round of layoffs. You look at him in confusion. You merely asked if he wanted a coffee.

We’ve all encountered a ‘Bob.’ Yet, when it comes to Artificial Intelligence (AI), even the most unlikely individuals seem to transform into one. If social media is any indication, the latest craze appears to be AI for SEO.

But is this hype justified? Are people genuinely seeking to use AI to build a website, automatically generate backlinks, and SEO optimise the site while sitting back, relaxing, and watching Netflix while AI drives thousands of website visitors?

Or are they simply curious about how AI will reshape the SEO landscape and the inner workings of search engines?

As an AI-focused digital agency, we capture and analyse vast online data. So, let’s analyse the latest AI in SEO statistics to uncover the truth.

48% increase in interest

Antlerzz AI in SEO statistics reveal that interest in using AI for SEO has jumped remarkably over one year (June 2023 to June 2024):

• In the US it grew by 47.8%
• In the UK it grew by 25%

Yet, the AI SEO stats show this is quickly moving upwards. In the first half of 2024 interest transformed:

• In the US it grew by 50%
• In the UK it jumped 46%

So, on face value, people are looking to leverage AI to enhance their online presence despite ongoing questions over accuracy and trust in platforms like ChatGPT.

AI in SEO is not yet the status quo and Gen Zs are not at the cutting edge

While our statistics for AI in SEO show a clear growth in interest, they also reveal we are only at the start of this trend. 

In June 2024, we found:

• Interest in AI in SEO was 2.7% of interest in SEO the US
• Interest in AI in SEO was 4.8% of interest in SEO the UK

However, this is not a surprise. SEO is well-established and has been a topic of immense interest for over 20 years. 

Interestingly our AI in SEO statistics reveal the same demographics are interested in both SEO and AI for SEO.

• In the US 43% of people interested in SEO are 35 to 44. Regarding AI for SEO, we cannot draw too many conclusions due to the sample size. However, early indications suggest contrary to popular belief it’s not Gen Z’s driving the trend. Instead, it’s the same demographic.
• In the UK a similar picture emerges. 49% of people interested in SEO are 35 to 44.

AI in SEO statistics show interest driven by new AI SEO tools

While Antlerzz AI for SEO statistics reveals a growing interest in the field, it is unclear what drives this interest. However, in the first six months of 2024, we found:

• In the US interest in AI SEO tools skyrocketed an astonishing 4850%
• In the UK, interest in AI SEO tools has been much slower, remaining relatively stable. However, there are indications this is now changing.

Conversely, interest in general SEO software has not been growing. Over five years (June 2019 to June 2024) our AI for SEO statistics showed:

• In the US interest has dropped 19%. This included a five-year high in January 2022
• In the UK interest in SEO software has plummeted 71%. This came after a five-year high in January 2020

However, general SEO software is an established component of most SEO’s work. Therefore, it’s important not to read too much into this data. Moreover, the rise in AI in SEO tools like Chatbots or Copywriters is not necessarily a cause of this overall drop in interest in SEO software.

The emergence of new AI search features could be key to the upward trend in AI in SEO statistics

However, it is too simplistic to attribute the increase in interest to people wanting to take shortcuts in SEO. Over the next five years, SEO is set to transform with the emergence of AI features like Google AI Overviews (formerly known as Search Generative Experience or SGE) being integrated into search engines.

As a result, SEO will become more complex as people try to understand how to optimise for these new AI tools.

As a result, the increase in interest we found in our AI for SEO statistics might be a consequence of increased awareness of these changes. However, Antlerzz AI in SEO statistics reveal:

• Interest in Google’s AI Overviews surged and plummeted in the US and UK in May 2024. This coincided with Google’s official launch of the tool.
• Interest in SGE, AI Overview’s former name, has not seen any notable increase in interest in the US or UK over a prolonged period either.

Therefore, our AI in SEO statistics indicates no significant awareness or change in SEO enthusiasts for the new AI search features.

Commentary: What does our AI in SEO statistics reveal?

Based on Antlerzz AI in SEO statistics, there is a rapid increase in people wanting to use AI to enhance their SEO efforts. This comes as no surprise.

In our research into AI content, we discovered a 317% increase in people wanting to use AI to create content. This is despite AI content not helping you rank. Increasingly, people are turning to AI because SEO takes time, money, and effort.

With new search engines emerging and AI transforming how search works, getting seen online is more complex than ever. While search engines like Google will remain, SEO will change entirely over the next 10 years.

Therefore, SEO strategies must incorporate an AI search strategy. This is why at Antlerzz, we work with health brands to set them up for success by empowering them through SEO strategies. A clear plan is a must otherwise you will constantly be paying for short-term wins without long-term gains.

Our AI in SEO statistics demonstrates that rather than looking for how search engines like Google are changing, SEOs are instead focused on quick wins by acquiring AI SEO tools. This is perhaps further evidenced by the drop in interest in traditional SEO software, which helps people in their SEO efforts rather than automating it for them.

However, complete SEO automation is inherently limited and will never be fully achievable. Yet, it would be wrong to assume all SEOs are turning to AI for complete automation. Instead, while AI in SEO is rapidly increasing in interest, traditional SEO still dominates people’s thoughts.

How long this remains the case is unclear. Let’s hope Bob doesn’t hear about it anytime soon.