What fan-out queries are
When ChatGPT answers with web search, it runs its own searches before it replies. These searches are called fan-out queries. They are often several per question and worded differently from the question you asked.
The query fan-out tool asks ChatGPT a question 3 times, as people see it in the ChatGPT app, from the country you choose, and lists the searches it ran. It also lists the websites ChatGPT cited and the brands it named in its answers.
How to use the searches (content and where to be mentioned)
The pages that show up for those searches are the pages ChatGPT reads before it answers. So they are where a business wants to be mentioned or ranked. With a website added, the tool looks up where that site ranks in Google's top 10 for the 5 most common searches, and how many of the 3 answers cited the site.
Use the searches to plan content and to find places to be mentioned. If a search appears in every run, it is flagged, so you know it is a consistent theme. Near-identical searches are grouped, with the other wordings shown, so you can see the range of ways people ask.
Why the answers change between runs
Answers and searches vary from one run to the next. That is why the tool asks 3 times. Searches that come up in every run are flagged; near-identical searches are grouped, with the other wordings shown.
This variation means a single run may not show the full picture. By running the question 3 times, the tool gives a more reliable view of the searches and the brands named.
Questions
Is it free?
Yes. Free tools that ask ChatGPT allow 2 runs a day without an account and 25 a day after a free email sign-in, with no card. Results are kept for 24 hours so a repeat of the same check is instant and does not use a run. Nothing else is stored.
Which version of ChatGPT is asked?
The tool asks ChatGPT as people see it in the ChatGPT app. It does not specify a version number.
Why are there different searches each time?
Answers and searches vary from one run to the next. That is why the tool asks 3 times. Searches that come up in every run are flagged; near-identical searches are grouped, with the other wordings shown.
What should I do with the searches?
The pages that show up for those searches are the pages ChatGPT reads before it answers. So they are where a business wants to be mentioned or ranked. Use them to plan content and to find places to be mentioned.
Does it show Google AI Mode or Gemini?
Not yet. It only asks ChatGPT.