DuckDuckGo reported a 300% increase in traffic to its no-AI search page since Google announced its major AI-driven search update in early May 2026 [1, 2]. That announcement marked Google's biggest search engine change in 25 years, emphasizing AI-generated summaries and chat features [1, 2].
In response, DuckDuckGo launched new browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox that set its no-AI search page as the default search engine [1, 2]. This page excludes AI-assisted answers, chat prompts, and AI-generated images, appealing to users seeking search results without AI influence [1, 2]. DuckDuckGo stated, "Since Google revealed its plans for an AI search overhaul, visits to our 'No AI' search page have tripled…and they’re still rising!" [2].
Alongside the no-AI search option, DuckDuckGo maintains an AI-maximalist alternative called duck.ai to offer users choice [2]. The company’s U.S. app installs grew by 18.1% week-over-week, with iOS installs surging 69.9% in the same period [1].
Traffic to the no-AI page reached this new high-water mark by May 28, 2026, shortly after Google's update announcement [1]. The sustained growth indicates a notable demand for search experiences that avoid AI-generated content.
DuckDuckGo’s strategic browser extensions and clear product differentiation between AI and no-AI search pages will likely shape user preferences in the coming months [1, 2].
