In the digital marketing and search engine optimisation (SEO) sector, attention has predominantly been directed towards Google, Bing, TikTok, and Instagram. Yet, amidst this focus lies an untapped treasure trove: voice search.

Today, 90% of consumers perceive voice search as a quicker and more convenient option compared to traditional text-based search methods.

Given the swift rise in the adoption of voice search, brands are now expanding their SEO strategy beyond traditional text-based search and implement a voice search optimisation (VSO) strategy designed to capture every spoken word and pattern.

According to Statista, voice search and voice commerce spending witnessed an astonishing surge to $19.4 billion last year, showcasing a phenomenal growth rate of over 300% in just the last two years.

The staggering figure underscores the profound impact and untapped potential of voice-based interactions in the digital landscape.

Voice search has rapidly become the preferred method for 50% of people worldwide, as users increasingly find its ease of use more appealing than traditional typing.

As we witness a transformation in the way we interact with technology, several key statistics shed light on the pervasive influence of voice search:

• 93.7% accuracy: Voice search assistants accurately answer 93.7% of search queries, highlighting the reliability and efficiency of this emerging technology.
  
  
• 125.2 million users: The number of voice search users as of 2024 has reached an impressive 125.2 million, compared to 123.5 million in 2022, signaling a consistent upward trend.
  
  
• 4.6 seconds to load: The average voice search SERP requires just 4.6 seconds to load, emphasising the swift and seamless experience it offers to users.
  
  
• 1 billion monthly searches: Users make over 1 billion voice searches every month, solidifying its position as a mainstream method of seeking information.
  
  
• $27.16 billion market by 2026: The voice recognition market is projected to reach $27.16 billion by the end of 2026, a significant leap from its size of $10.7 billion in 2020.
  
  
• 27% mobile usage: As of 2023, 27% of voice search users utilise this technology on their mobile phones, highlighting its integration into daily mobile interactions.
  
  
• 50% daily usage: Over 50% of adults worldwide use voice search on a daily basis, affirming its widespread adoption.
  
  
• 40% featured snippets: Featured snippets make up 40% of voice search results, emphasizing the importance of structured and concise content.
  
  
• 58% local business searches: A significant 58% of consumers reported using voice search to find local businesses, underlining its impact on local search and commerce.
  
  
• Google Assistant vs. Siri: Google Assistant powers more than 50,000 smart home assistants, while 45.1% of voice assistant users prefer Apple’s Siri for voice searches.

As businesses navigate the dynamic landscape of digital marketing, the data paints a clear picture: voice search is not just a trend; it’s a seismic shift that demands attention.

In 2023, approximately 125.2 million individuals worldwide embraced voice search, marking an increase from the 123.5 million users recorded in 2022.

This table depicts the number of voice search users around the globe. 

Voice Search – 2025 Outlook

According to a research conducted by Meticulous Market Research, the worldwide market for voice recognition is projected to achieve a value of $26.8 billion by the year 2025.

Presently, over 25% of individuals routinely employ voice search on their mobile devices. Predictions from experts suggest that by 2024, the count of digital voice assistants, including Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, or Microsoft’s Cortana, will surge to 8.4 billion.

Voice search isn’t new

Voice search is not a recent phenomenon, with IBM pioneering the initial speech recognition system, known as “Shoebox,” over 60 years ago.

Despite the existence of various forms of Voice Search Optimisation (VSO) over the years, it was the emergence of voice assistant technology that significantly propelled its widespread adoption.

Projections suggest that by 2025, the transaction value of purchases facilitated through voice assistants is anticipated to surpass $164 billion.