Local Memo: OpenAI Launches Atlas Browser

In this week’s local memo learn about OpenAI’s new AI-powered browser, Atlas; visual updates to ChatGPT local results; and the ideal frequency to post on TikTok.

OpenAI Launches Atlas Browser

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Atlas, an AI-first web browser designed to integrate AI into your everyday browser workflows and enhance user experience. 

Key features local marketers should know about:

A persistent ChatGPT sidebar: Users can “chat with a page” by asking questions about your site, requesting summaries, comparing services, or having the AI act on the page. If your business website is rich in locally relevant content, it may now get surfaced via the sidebar/agent interactions inside the browser, and not just via traditional search. This adds a new pathway for visibility. Additionally the “chat with a page” concept means users might land on your location page and then engage in a conversation about your services. That interactivity creates a deeper engagement opportunity than a simple listing or directory mention.

Agent Mode: This mode allows the browser to perform tasks on behalf of the user directly via your site. Agent Mode can complete tasks such as finding nearby pizza places open now, comparing menu options, and placing an order. Local businesses that have structured, well-integrated web listings and service definitions might be more likely to get chosen by the agent.

Browser Memory: If enabled, Atlas will remember user behaviors, previous pages, and context, which gives it the ability to deliver personalized browsing and navigation tied to local intent. With memory enabled, repeated local queries across devices may build a context for the user in a particular geography. Businesses that appear and perform well can earn an advantage with repeat interactions.

What It Means: A new, personalized traffic source is on the way for your business. This is just the beginning of a shift in the ecosystem towards AI powered, autonomous commerce online. Staying informed and paying attention to your web visibility is crucial. 

ChatGPT Local Search Goes Visual

The News: As noted on LinkedIn by Matt McGee (and expanded upon by SOCi’s own Damian Rollison), ChatGPT has begun displaying a new, more visual layout for local business queries. These are being seen in industries such as restaurants, real estate agents, pediatricians, fitness centers, and florists. So far, there’s no sign of an industry where the update doesn’t appear. 

Local results now include large photo panels and visual elements drawn from multiple sources including business websites, Yelp, TripAdvisor, LinkedIn, Healthgrades, and Restaurant Guru. In contrast to earlier versions, where ChatGPT listed five businesses, the new layout shows only three, each with rich photo content.

What It Means: The update suggests that visual assets may now influence which businesses get featured. ChatGPT could be using image density or diversity as part of its ranking and recommendation logic.

Study Shows 2-5 Weekly TikToks Deliver Biggest View Increase

The News: A new study by Buffer (via Search Engine Journal) analyzed 11.4 million TikTok posts from 150,000+ accounts and found some clear posting-frequency sweet spots. The study found that when users post 2-5 times per week, they achieved approximately 17% more views per post than those who posted only once per week. While the study included larger posting frequencies, the most notable jump happened when users shifted from 1 post per week to 2-5.

What This Means: For local businesses or multi-location brands, the idea of posting every day may feel daunting. This data suggests the biggest bang may come not from daily posting but from a manageable cadence of 2-5 posts per week.