SEO isn’t dead, but the lead role now is AI Visibility Optimization (AIVO). With Google shifting to AI mode, Baidu elevating “Ask AI,” Quark rising, and ChatGPT/Gemini/Perplexity becoming first responders, if you’re not inside AI answers, you’re invisible. AIVO embeds your brand as a trusted entity so content is retrievable, selected, and included in answers; in China, AIVO is multi-entry: claim authority for Baidu “Ask AI,” use structured longform for Yuanbao, leverage multimodal + authentic UGC for Doubao, ship long-context reasoning for Kimi/DeepSeek, and deliver efficiency/academic knowledge for Quark. Replace traffic worship with Share of Model, Citation Sentiment, and Entity Association—make AI Visibility Optimization (AIVO) your primary growth KPI.

Google’s AI Overview (AIO) is a stepping stone to ‘AI Mode,’ shifting search from lists to direct AI answers. SEO must adapt: prioritize quality, natural language, E-E-A-T, and brand authority. The future is conversational, with AI understanding and answering complex queries.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the global search engine landscape. Google recently launched its AI Mode search feature, designed to handle complex queries, support multimodal data processing, and deliver a more intelligent search experience. However, for Chinese users, such features may already feel familiar. In China, platforms like Baidu, Metaso (秘塔), Kimi, and Quark (夸克) have long demonstrated advanced applications of AI search, with some even surpassing global competitors in technical capabilities.

The deep integration of WeChat and DeepSeek, coupled with Kimi AI’s breakthrough in long-context reasoning, is reshaping the competitive landscape of the Chinese search market. Baidu, as the traditional search giant, faces multi-dimensional challenges to its core business model, particularly its organic traffic distribution system reliant on SEO (Search Engine Optimization). This analysis will delve into the impact from four perspectives: content ecosystem, user behavior, technological capabilities, and business model.

In 2020, WeChat traffic led the way: 1.09 billion users opened WeChat and 330 million users made video calls; 780 million users opened Moments and 120 million users posted in Moments; 360 million users read articles in public accounts and 400 million users use Mini Programs.

According to Lin, Baidu’s Smart Mini Program Business Director, said that the cooperation between Baidu’s Smart Mini Program and Amazon’s Global Stores is a perfect complement and synergy of business environments and functions. The launch of the Smart Mini Programs will provide Baidu users with a more diverse and international shopping experience. On the other hand, it also can be a powerful element to enhance Baidu’s mobile e-commerce ability.