A recent study by Linkee has compiled a list of the most popular types of AI. Data from Google Trends was analyzed to extract all the AI-related search trends, and following their careful categorization, a total search volume was calculated for each topic. The list included data up to July 2024, presenting a relatively accurate and reasonably recent picture of how general audiences interact with AI.
The Most Popular Types of AI
Chatbots and AI Conversational Tools lead in the ranking of the most popular AI categories with almost 260M searches. Gemini AI is leading the trend increase with 3150%.
As Cecilia Wilson of Linkee pointed out, “The massive increase in searches for Gemini AI highlights a key shift in the AI landscape. As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, users are looking beyond well-known tools like ChatGPT for new and innovative options or even comparisons. Gemini AI, supported by Google, likely benefits from both its connection to a trusted brand and being a relatively newer player on the market. Users today are more demanding—they’re on the lookout for AI tools that offer unique features, better integration, or a different experience. This increase in interest suggests that Gemini AI is a strong player in the conversational AI market. People probably love to test two giants for different purposes, and it pays off.”
Creative AI and Design Tools AI secured the second top spot, with 8.5M searches. While it is critical to note the chasm of usage dividing this from Chatbots and Conversational Tools AI (this is 30 times less than the demand for chatbots), the usage of these tools has skyrocketed compared to former studies.
Although ranking second with 8.5M searches, the Creative AI and Design Tools category showcased the highest jump in interest out of all of the AI categories, with a 5000% increase in usage.
Role-playing AI Chatbots (which one could argue are just a more niche extension of the top spot category) claim the third spot in AI popularity, drawing 5.7M searches monthly. Janitor AI, a character AI chatbot, is leading in this category with an increase of 1450% in interest.
Educational Tools rank fourth, getting 4.6M searches. This demonstrates the insane growth in the academic sector and how AI is being gradually implemented into classrooms across the globe, whether teachers and curriculum approve of it or not. Perplexity AI, AI-powered research and conversational search engine, leads this category with a 123% increase in interest.
AI and Research: How it Could Affect Our Lives
As Wilson elaborates, “AI is set to dramatically change how we learn and conduct research. Tools like Perplexity AI from our research show how AI can act as a smart learning assistant. In the future, AI will likely create more personalized learning experiences, adapting in real-time to a student’s needs and providing tailored content. For researchers, AI will be crucial in sorting through massive amounts of information, quickly finding relevant studies, and even suggesting new insights by connecting different data points. This will make education more accessible and customized, while also speeding up innovation by allowing researchers to focus on creativity and critical thinking, with AI taking care of data-heavy tasks. As long as AI is used as a supportive tool, I think it will be a great resource for all industries, not just education.”
Image Alteration Tools, ranking fifth, received 3.9M searches, with “Undress ai free tools” seeing a massive 3500% increase in interest. This is a shame, given that this is the most blatantly invasive and offputting use of AI imaginable and has already been the subject of numerous legal cases.
AI Research and Analysis Tools sit in sixth place, attracting 3.25M searches. Scite AI, a platform for researchers to quickly find relevant scientific papers, tops this category with a 52% increase in interest.
Productivity AI Apps were in the final place on the list, with 62K monthly searches. Calendar.ai, with an increase of 256% in interest leads in the category. This presents an accurate and somewhat alarming catalog of how users interact with and ultimately embrace AI.
The Future of AI
AI is becoming an increasingly regular part of our daily lives. From conversational tools to chatbots and design tools, AI is becoming prevalent in many different industries. Chatbots and conversational tools have led the way as the most popular forms of AI in recent months. As AI continues to grow and develop, it is likely to become even more relevant in various fields, shaping the lives of people in new ways.
