Creators now shape AI recommendations

AI is changing how people discover products, compare options, and decide what to buy. In the past, search engines presented links for consumers to evaluate. Now, with the help of AI, answer engines interpret a question, assess the available evidence, and recommend a shortlist, sometimes even naming a single brand. Brands are now competing to be understood, included, and recommended by AI-enabled search. AI systems draw from product data, media coverage, reviews, community discussions, and…