Report: Surge in Consumer Use of Generative AI for Online Shopping

The Rise of Generative AI in Online Shopping: A New Era of Consumer Engagement

In the digital landscape, the utilization of generative AI tools has seen a remarkable uptick, especially in the realm of online shopping. A recent report by Adobe reveals that from November to December 2024, traffic driven by generative AI sources to U.S. retail sites surged by 1,300% year-on-year. Notably, Cyber Monday alone witnessed a staggering increase of 1,950%. This trend has not only persisted into 2025 but has also shown substantial growth, with a 1,200% rise in February compared to July 2024. These figures highlight a transformative shift in how consumers engage with online commerce.

Despite the traditionally favored channels like paid search and email marketing still dominating traffic numbers, generative AI’s rapid ascent is noteworthy. The survey conducted by Adobe among 5,000 U.S. consumers indicated that 39% have already leveraged generative AI for their shopping needs, with projections suggesting this number could rise to 53% in 2025. Consumers are primarily using generative AI for various purposes: conducting research (55%), receiving product recommendations (47%), hunting for deals (43%), and brainstorming gift ideas (35%). This multifaceted usage underscores the tool’s growing significance in enhancing the shopping experience.

Engagement metrics from users arriving through generative AI sources present an intriguing contrast to traditional traffic channels. Those directed through AI exhibit a higher level of engagement, spending 8% more time on retail sites, viewing 12% more pages per visit, and experiencing a 23% lower bounce rate. Even though conversion rates from generative AI traffic remain 9% lower than those from conventional sources, improvements over prior data suggest growing familiarity and acceptance of AI in the shopping process.

Moreover, the influence of generative AI extends beyond retail; there is a notable spike in usage for travel planning, with traffic to travel-related sites increasing by 1,700% by February 2025. Furthermore, the financial sector has not been left untouched, witnessing a 1,200% rise in AI-driven traffic to banking sites, with 27% of consumers reported to have used AI for financial inquiries.

The noteworthy use of URL shorteners and link management tools becomes essential in this shifting landscape, particularly for digital marketing professionals. As generative AI assumes an increasingly pivotal role in guiding consumer decisions, having streamlined, trackable links through tools like short link makers can significantly enhance engagement metrics. By utilizing custom domains for these short links, brands can create a cohesive identity that resonates with users while also monitoring the effectiveness of AI-driven campaigns.

In an era where consumer interaction with online platforms is rapidly evolving, integrating effective URL management strategies can facilitate improved tracking and better insights into the performance of generative AI-driven initiatives. As the landscape continues to evolve, these tools will play a critical role in shaping successful online marketing strategies.

Overall, this surge in generative AI usage illustrates a critical pivot in consumer behavior, revealing both changes in engagement patterns and opportunities for improvement in conversion rates. Marketers, developers, and business leaders must remain agile, adapting strategies to harness the potential of generative AI in a competitive marketplace.