Sundar Pichai reassures that Google Search is experiencing overall query growth across devices and platforms, despite reports of declines, and highlights that AI integration is enhancing search experiences and user engagement. He emphasizes that new platforms like TikTok tend to expand rather than cannibalize existing services, portraying a positive outlook on the continued growth and evolution of search.
In the video, Sundar Pichai addresses concerns raised by Eddie EQ during a trial, who mentioned that search and Safari usage had declined for the first time in 22 years. This statistic raised questions about whether traditional Google Search is experiencing a decline across devices and platforms. Pichai emphasizes that Google has a comprehensive view of data and, contrary to these claims, they are observing overall query growth in search, including on Apple’s devices and platforms.
Pichai clarifies that while there may be noise or fluctuations in search data, their analysis indicates that search queries are continuing to grow. He reassures that the trend is positive and that the growth is consistent across different devices and platforms, including those from Apple. This suggests that the decline reported by Eddie EQ may not reflect the broader reality of user engagement with Google Search.
He further discusses the impact of AI on search behavior, noting that query growth remains healthy and is actually increasing over time. Pichai highlights that the integration of AI into search experiences is contributing to this growth, making searches more productive and engaging for users. This counters the narrative that AI might be replacing or reducing traditional search activity.
Pichai also draws a comparison with the rise of TikTok, emphasizing that new platforms often lead to increased overall engagement rather than cannibalizing existing services like YouTube. He suggests that the emergence of new products and platforms tends to expand user activity and interaction, rather than diminish it. This perspective underscores the idea that technological innovation can complement and enhance existing services rather than replace them.
In conclusion, Pichai portrays the current landscape as one of growth and adaptation, where Google Search continues to thrive despite changes in the digital environment. He emphasizes that the data supports ongoing query growth and that improvements in products, including AI integration, are driving increased user engagement. Overall, he presents a positive outlook on the future of search and Google’s role in the evolving digital ecosystem.