DuckDuckGo installs jump as users push back on Google's AI Search

TechCrunch reports that DuckDuckGo is benefiting from backlash to Google's new AI-forward Search experience. After Google said traditional blue links are being replaced by an AI agent that can answer, execute tasks, and run background monitoring agents, DuckDuckGo said U.S. app installs rose 18.1% week over week on average from May 20 to May 25 and peaked at 30.5% on May 25. iOS growth was stronger, averaging 33% and peaking at 69.9%. Visits to DuckDuckGo's AI-free search page also averaged 22.7% week-over-week growth, peaking at 27.7% on May 24. The story matters because AI search is no longer just a product upgrade; it is becoming a user-choice fight. Watch whether Google adds stronger opt-outs and whether privacy/search alternatives can convert backlash into durable share.

Key details: DuckDuckGo, Google AI Search, May 26, 2026, 18.1% U.S. install growth, 30.5% peak install growth, 33% average iOS growth, 69.9% iOS peak, 22.7% AI-free page visit growth.

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