Wikipedia Beats Reddit in Gen AI Traffic After 7-Month Battle

The race for Gen AI dominance between Wikipedia and Reddit just took an unexpected turn. Fresh data reveals Wikipedia reclaimed the top spot in February 2026 after Reddit dominated throughout most of 2025. This back-and-forth battle shows how quickly the generative AI landscape can shift.

Wikipedia Reclaims Lead in Gen AI Traffic

Similarweb data shows Wikipedia overtaking Reddit in generative AI traffic after spending seven months behind its competitor. The shift happened in February 2026, ending Reddit's winning streak that lasted from mid-2025 through January.

The numbers tell an interesting story. Both platforms hovered between 9 and 11 million visits monthly throughout 2025, with Reddit pulling ahead during peak months but never creating a massive gap. Wikipedia's recent surge reversed the trend, pushing Reddit back into second place.

Why Gen AI Traffic Matters for Knowledge Platforms

This traffic battle matters because it shows where people turn when they need information processed by AI systems. Wikipedia offers structured, reference-style knowledge, while Reddit provides community-driven discussions and real-world experiences.

The competition stayed tight throughout the entire period, with frequent month-to-month swings instead of one platform running away with the lead. February's reversal proves neither site has locked down permanent dominance in the Gen AI space.

What's Driving the Traffic Shifts

The latest data shows Wikipedia's traffic climbing while Reddit's numbers dipped slightly in February. This pattern repeats what we've seen before—short-term fluctuations rather than permanent advantages for either platform.

Both sites serve different purposes in the AI ecosystem. Community discussions versus encyclopedic knowledge. Real-time conversations versus verified information. The ongoing shifts suggest users value both approaches depending on their needs.