Why Are More People Using DuckDuckGo? App Installs Jump 30% in the US

DuckDuckGo traffic surged with a 30% rise in US app installs as users reacted to Google's AI-powered search features and Gemini integration.

By Indrani Priyadarshini

on June 2, 2026

Privacy-focused search engine DuckDuckGo has reported a major increase in app installs and user traffic. According to the company’s latest post on X, app installs in the United States jumped 30% week-over-week. The company said that interest in its platform is growing rapidly and added that “momentum is growing.”

Why More Users Are Choosing DuckDuckGo

The rise in DuckDuckGo users comes as many people express concerns about Google’s growing use of artificial intelligence in Search. Following Google’s recent I/O developer conference, some users criticised the company’s new AI-powered search features. This appears to have pushed more people toward alternative search engines like DuckDuckGo.

Read More | Google Expands AI Search Push With New ‘AI Mode’ Redesign Amid Search Shift

Google’s New AI Search Features

At Google I/O, the company introduced a new AI-driven search experience powered by its Gemini AI model. The updated Search includes AI-generated summaries, conversational search tools, and a new AI Mode. This feature allows users to ask follow-up questions directly in Search instead of clicking through multiple website links.

Read More | Google Pushes Gemini Deeper Into Android Ahead of Apple’s AI Reset

Growing Pushback Against AI Search

Some users have raised concerns that AI-generated answers could reduce visits to websites and change how people access information online. As the debate around AI-powered search continues, DuckDuckGo appears to be benefiting from users looking for a more traditional and privacy-focused search experience.

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