DuckDuckGo has reported a sharp increase in app installs and search traffic following Google’s latest expansion of AI-powered search features, suggesting that a segment of users is actively seeking alternatives to AI-first search experiences.
The surge comes in the days after Google unveiled major updates to Search at its I/O 2026 developer conference, where the company doubled down on AI integration through AI Mode, AI-generated search experiences, and more conversational search capabilities.
While Google has described AI as the future of search, not all users appear convinced.
According to data released by DuckDuckGo, U.S. app installs increased by an average of 18.1% week-over-week between May 20 and May 25, with growth peaking at 30.5% on May 25. On iOS devices, installs grew by an average of 33% during the same period, peaking at nearly 70%.
The company also reported increased interest in its AI-free search option. Visits to noai.duckduckgo.com, a version of DuckDuckGo Search with AI features disabled by default, rose by an average of 22.7% week-over-week, with peak growth of 27.7% recorded on May 24.
Growing Demand for Search Choice
DuckDuckGo CEO Gabriel Weinberg has been outspoken about Google’s AI strategy, arguing that users should be able to decide whether they want AI-generated search experiences rather than having them integrated by default.
According to Weinberg, the recent growth suggests some users are looking for more control over how they interact with search engines.
The company itself is not opposed to artificial intelligence. DuckDuckGo offers AI-powered tools and chatbot access through its Duck.ai platform.
However, its approach differs from Google’s in that users can choose whether to engage with AI features rather than having them automatically integrated into every search experience.
Google Remains Dominant Despite Backlash
Despite the recent surge, DuckDuckGo remains a relatively small player in the search market compared to Google. Industry reports estimate Google’s share of the search market remains above 80%, while DuckDuckGo continues to hold a much smaller portion of global search traffic.
As a result, the latest growth figures are unlikely to pose an immediate threat to Google’s dominance. However, they do provide one of the clearest indicators yet that some users are uncomfortable with the rapid shift toward AI-driven search experiences.
The increase is also notable because it occurred immediately after Google’s AI announcements and was sustained through the U.S. Memorial Day holiday period, a timeframe that typically experiences lower user activity.
Related:
- Google is bringing an AI-powered search experience to YouTube
- Google’s AI Mode Surpasses 1 Billion Users as Search Turns More Agentic
Wider Debate Over AI-Powered Search
The developments come amid a broader debate about the future of search engines and the impact of generative AI on how information is discovered online.
Recent academic research suggests that AI-generated search summaries can significantly alter user behaviour and website traffic patterns.
One study examining Google’s AI-generated search summaries found measurable reductions in visits to source websites, raising questions about the long-term implications for publishers and content creators.
At the same time, proponents of AI-powered search argue that conversational interfaces can make information retrieval faster and more efficient for users.
The contrasting responses to Google’s AI Mode and DuckDuckGo’s AI-optional approach highlight an emerging divide in the search market: whether users prefer AI to be embedded into the search experience by default or available as an optional tool when needed.
For now, DuckDuckGo’s recent traffic gains suggest that at least some users are willing to switch platforms in search of greater choice and control over how artificial intelligence is integrated into their online experience.
AI Writer
Bio: Joseph Michael is an MBA graduate in Marketing from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and a passionate tech enthusiast. As a professional writer and author at AIbase.ng, he simplifies complex AI concepts, explores digital innovation, and creates practical guides for Nigerian learners and businesses. With a background in marketing and brand communication, Joseph brings clarity, insight, and real-world relevance to every article he writes.