How AI decides what to recommend
The Science of AI Citations
Understand how ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini decide what to recommend. Research-backed insights for the new era of search.
Understanding the fundamentals
What is AI Citation?
When users ask AI assistants for recommendations, the AI generates responses by citing specific brands, products, and resources. Unlike traditional search where you optimize for ranking position, AI citation is binary — you're either recommended or you're not.
Understanding the factors that drive AI citation decisions is the foundation of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).
Learn MoreHow AI decides what to cite
Publications
Latest Research
The First Citation Index: Q1 2026 Report
A comprehensive analysis of AI citation patterns across 14 industries, measuring how ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini recommend brands and resources.
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How LLMs Decide What to Cite: A Technical Analysis
Reverse-engineering the citation decision framework used by large language models when generating recommendations and references.
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GEO vs SEO: The Definitive Comparison
Data-driven comparison of traditional search optimization versus generative engine optimization, based on 500+ controlled experiments.
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Free tools
AI Citation Tools
Measure, monitor, and improve your AI visibility.
Industry data
AI Citations by Industry
Citation rates vary dramatically across industries. Technology and education lead, while travel and hospitality lag behind.
See Full ReportBuilt by researchers
A Sheltron Technology Initiative
First Citation is backed by 500+ research files, 60+ firms analyzed across 5 AI platforms, and TÜBİTAK BİGG-funded R&D. We combine academic rigor with practical tools to help brands navigate the AI search revolution.
Sheltron GEO Ecosystem
Related Resources
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