Semrush: Listicle affiliate content is cited in AI answers most, coupon pages least
What this answers
- How often is affiliate content cited in AI answers?
- About 22% of 2,850 partner articles about Semrush were cited in at least one tracked AI answer between Sept. 14 and Oct. 7, 2026, per Semrush's own program data.
- Which affiliate content formats do AI answers cite most?
- Listicles (about 54% of partner pieces cited) and comparisons (about 39%), against about 10% for coupon and free-trial pages, per Semrush.
Semrush checked 2,850 partner-published pieces about itself against the AI answers its AI visibility tool tracks, Sept. 14 to Oct. 7, 2026. About 22% were cited in at least one answer: roughly 8% in Google AI Overviews, 7% in AI Mode, 2% in Gemini and 1% in ChatGPT. By format, about 54% of listicles were cited, 39% of comparisons, 21% of tutorials, 18% of reviews and 10% of coupon and free-trial pages. Among 302 cited web pages Semrush read, about three in four that mention Semrush also name a competitor (42% of uncited pages do); 74% contain affiliate links. The data is from Semrush’s own affiliate program and tracker, per its blog.
Why it matters: A vendor-measured count of which partner formats AI answers pick up, with coupon pages cited least, is a rare number on third-party content, though it covers one brand's program and one tracker.
The record: SemrushChatGPTGoogle AI Overviews
Glossary: AI visibilityAI OverviewsAI Mode
Via Semrush Blog ↗
Posted to the wire November 3, 2026. Edited by Joe Balewski.