April 2025: ChatGPT search gets better at showing products

Covers April 2025. Part of our search timeline: a month-by-month look at the changes that shaped SEO, AI search, paid ads and social media, written in November 2026 for local businesses with the benefit of hindsight.

This timeline entry, written in November 2026, revisits April 2025. It is most relevant to local businesses that also sell products online, such as a bathroom showroom with a web shop, a garden centre, a bike repair shop selling parts, or a salon selling haircare.

What OpenAI changed in April 2025

When someone asked ChatGPT search a shopping question, it began showing visual product cards. OpenAI said at the time that these results were picked independently and were not adverts.

Why it mattered to local sellers

UK businesses with clear product information, good reviews and websites that were easy to access stood a better chance of being shown. The change was also an early sign of the AI shopping and advertising features that came later.

How to get your products ready

• Add product structured data that includes price, stock availability and review details.
• Give products titles and descriptions that are specific and easy to understand, for example the exact model and size.
• Ask happy customers to leave honest reviews on your website and on trusted platforms.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to buy a spot in ChatGPT’s product results?

When the feature launched, the product results were not paid placements. OpenAI brought in separate advertising in 2026.

What helps products appear in AI shopping answers?

Correct product data, reviews, stock availability, clear prices and mentions on websites people trust.

Sources and further reading

• Google Search Central: guidance on product structured data

Want help with this? If you sell products as well as services, we can make sure your shop and ads are set up to be found. See our Google Ads service, or Get in touch.