SimilarWeb’s visit duration data reveals a hierarchy that will determine AI monetization winners: Grok leads at approximately 8 minutes per session, ChatGPT holds steady at 6-7 minutes, while Perplexity has declined to 4 minutes (down from 5.5). As platforms develop advertising strategies, session duration becomes commercially decisive – longer sessions mean more ad exposure opportunities.
The engagement metrics as of November 2025: Grok averages approximately 8 minutes per session (highest engagement), ChatGPT maintains 6-7 minutes (stable over time), Perplexity declined to 4 minutes from 5.5 minutes previously. The pattern reveals a fundamental tension: while ChatGPT experiences declining traffic share, it maintains strong session depth. Grok shows growth in both market share and session duration – the most valuable combination for monetization.
Framework Analysis
Perplexity’s shorter sessions reflect its core value proposition – quickly surfacing information without extended platform usage. This efficiency serves users but undermines advertising potential. As tech business modelsanalysis shows, attention-based monetization requires sustained engagement, creating tension between user efficiency and platform economics.
Grok’s rising engagement suggests X/Twitter integration creates use cases beyond simple Q&A – perhaps content creation, analysis, or social interaction that extend sessions. This connects to the AI Value Chain insight that distribution advantages compound when they increase engagement, not just access.
Strategic Implications
The data suggests different platforms serve distinct user needs with different monetization implications. Perplexity’s efficiency-first approach may require subscription-dominant revenue (already its model). ChatGPT’s stable depth supports hybrid approaches. Grok’s rising duration positions it best for advertising-supported scale if X pursues that strategy.
The Deeper Pattern
Session duration reveals product-market fit quality. Users spending 8 minutes have found ongoing value; users spending 4 minutes got what they needed and left. Both can be successful products, but they require different business models.
Key Takeaway
Grok’s 8-minute sessions versus Perplexity’s 4 minutes will determine monetization strategies. Longer engagement enables advertising; shorter sessions require subscription models. The AI platform wars will be won by matching business model to natural usage patterns.
Gennaro is the creator of FourWeekMBA, which reached about four million business people, comprising C-level executives, investors, analysts, product managers, and aspiring digital entrepreneurs in 2022 alone | He is also Director of Sales for a high-tech scaleup in the AI Industry | In 2012, Gennaro earned an International MBA with emphasis on Corporate Finance and Business Strategy.
