This move marks OpenAI's entry into a space traditionally held by Alphabet's Google, positioning it in competition with Microsoft's Bing, which is backed by OpenAI, as well as emerging AI chatbot services like Perplexity, supported by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and semiconductor leader Nvidia.
According to OpenAI, the ChatGPT search function will explore the web based on user inquiries, delivering quick and relevant answers along with links to pertinent online sources.
"ChatGPT search utilizes third-party search engines and content from our partners to fulfill user information needs," OpenAI stated in a blog update.
The search functionality is based on a refined version of GPT-4o, and all ChatGPT Plus and Team users will gain access to it starting Thursday.
Enterprise and educational users can expect to access these features in the coming weeks, while free users will see a rollout over the next few months.
This year, the Sam Altman-led company has established content agreements with various publishers, including Condé Nast, Time magazine, the Financial Times, Axel Springer (owner of Business Insider), France's Le Monde, and Spain's Prisa Media.
OpenAI emphasized its extensive collaboration with the news sector, incorporating feedback from partners regarding the search feature. Any website or publisher has the option to be included in ChatGPT search results.
In July, OpenAI launched a prototype called SearchGPT, an AI-driven search engine with real-time internet access.
Earlier this month, OpenAI secured $6.6 billion in funding from investors, potentially valuing the company at $157 billion and reinforcing its status as one of the most valuable private enterprises globally.