Verified Confidence: medium
Primary source found; it says the same thing, the scope matches, and it is reasonably current.
Safe rephrasing
BrightLocal's 2026 survey found 71% of consumers use Google for reviews, down from 83% in 2025, though it remains the top source.
What the source says
Google has always been the standout source for reviews, but this year its share has dipped from 83% in 2025 to 71%.
BrightLocal — Local Consumer Review Survey 2026
- Commonly cited as
- "Everyone reads Google reviews"
- True origin
- BrightLocal — Local Consumer Review Survey 2026
- Type
- Reference fact: A frequently needed number or rule taken directly from a primary source (e.g. Pew, Census, IAB/PwC, FTC), with its as-of date.
- Year
- 2026
- Data as of
- BrightLocal survey, 2026
- Last checked
- Method & sample
- BrightLocal's annual online survey of US consumers about local business reviews.
- Drift between quote and source
- Share of surveyed consumers who use Google to read reviews; Google remains far ahead
- Interest
- BrightLocal sells local SEO and review-management software.