Semrush ContentShake AI Review 2025
ContentShake AI is Semrush's answer to Surfer SEO's Content Editor. We put it through real-world testing to find out whether existing Semrush subscribers should use it — or stick with a dedicated tool.
WriteParrot Verdict
Best for teams already on Semrush Guru
4.3
out of 5
If you're already on Semrush Guru, ContentShake AI is an excellent addition to your workflow at no extra cost. Standalone, it doesn't justify the $229/mo Semrush subscription on its own — but as part of a Semrush stack, it's a strong performer.
Score breakdown
Pros
- ✓Seamless integration with Semrush's keyword and competitor data
- ✓AI drafts are powered directly by your Semrush research data
- ✓Article sharing and collaboration features built in
- ✓Weekly content ideas based on trending keywords in your niche
- ✓One-click optimisation suggestions
- ✓No need to export/import data between tools
Cons
- ✗Requires an active Semrush Guru subscription ($229/mo) or higher
- ✗AI writing quality is average compared to Jasper
- ✗Content scoring less granular than Surfer SEO
- ✗Limited to content types Semrush data covers well
- ✗No standalone pricing — only available as Semrush add-on
Key features reviewed
Semrush Data Integration
ContentShake AI's biggest strength is its direct connection to Semrush's massive keyword database. When you enter a topic, ContentShake pulls real volume, difficulty, and SERP data directly. There's no import step — your keyword research and AI writing happen in the same interface.
AI Article Generation
ContentShake generates complete SEO articles including title, meta description, H2/H3 structure, and body copy. The tone is generally accurate for informational content. The main limitation is writing quality — it reads competent but not exceptional, and requires editorial polish for premium publications.
Weekly Content Ideas
A unique feature: ContentShake delivers a weekly email of trending keyword opportunities in your niche based on Semrush trend data. For content teams that struggle with ideation, this is a genuinely useful addition.
Who should use ContentShake AI?
Best for: SEO teams already subscribed to Semrush Guru who want to add AI content generation without adding another tool to their stack.
Also good for: Content managers who handle keyword research in Semrush and want to minimise context-switching.
Not ideal for: Teams not on Semrush, or those who need best-in-class AI writing quality (Jasper) or best-in-class content scoring (Surfer).
Frequently asked questions
- What is Semrush ContentShake AI?
- Semrush ContentShake AI is an AI-powered content creation tool built into the Semrush platform. It uses Semrush's keyword, competitor, and SERP data to generate SEO-optimised article drafts. It's designed for teams who already use Semrush for their SEO workflow.
- Do you need a Semrush subscription to use ContentShake AI?
- Yes. ContentShake AI is only available to Semrush Guru ($229/mo) or Business plan subscribers. It is not sold as a standalone product. If you're already paying for Semrush Guru, ContentShake AI adds significant value at no extra cost.
- How does ContentShake AI compare to Surfer SEO?
- ContentShake AI integrates seamlessly with Semrush's keyword data, making it the best choice for existing Semrush users. Surfer SEO has more powerful NLP content scoring and works well with tools outside the Semrush ecosystem. For Semrush-heavy teams, ContentShake is more efficient; for everyone else, Surfer SEO is the better choice.
- Can ContentShake AI generate complete articles?
- Yes. ContentShake AI generates full article drafts including a title, introduction, H2 sections with body text, and a conclusion. The quality is adequate for first drafts but requires more editing than Jasper AI to achieve publication-ready content.