What's the difference between ChatGPT-User and GPTBot?

GPTBot collects data for future model training (long-term impact). ChatGPT-User accesses your site in real-time during active conversations (immediate impact). Blocking GPTBot affects future model versions. Blocking ChatGPT-User prevents real-time citations right now. Most sites should allow both for comprehensive ChatGPT visibility—training data and live search citations.

Does ChatGPT-User traffic indicate my content is being cited?

Yes, ChatGPT-User requests happen when ChatGPT's search feature actively visits your site to answer a user's question. Each visit represents potential citation in a real conversation. High ChatGPT-User traffic signals strong real-time relevance. GEO platforms track these visits alongside actual citations to show the conversion rate from crawls to mentions.

Should I prioritize ChatGPT-User over GPTBot?

Both matter for different reasons. ChatGPT-User drives immediate visibility and citations in current conversations. GPTBot influences future model knowledge. Prioritize ChatGPT-User for urgent visibility needs and real-time citation tracking. Allow both—blocking either limits your total ChatGPT visibility. Real-time search is growing while training crawls happen less frequently.

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Technical

ChatGPT-User

OpenAI's user-agent identifier for ChatGPT's real-time web browsing feature.

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What is ChatGPT-User?

ChatGPT-User is the user-agent string used when ChatGPT accesses websites in real-time during conversations. This differs from GPTBot, which is OpenAI's training crawler. When users enable ChatGPT's browsing feature or use ChatGPT Search, requests to websites appear with the ChatGPT-User agent. Allowing this agent enables ChatGPT to cite your content in real-time responses, directly impacting immediate visibility rather than future training data.

How Qwairy Makes This Actionable

Qwairy differentiates between GPTBot (training crawler) and ChatGPT-User (real-time browsing) traffic. Track when ChatGPT actively browses your site during user conversations, indicating immediate citation opportunities.