Reddit plans to unify its search interface because it appears to develop into a search engine

With search right this moment so stuffed with AI slop and websites spamming search engine optimisation tips, it’s common for folks to append “reddit” to their queries in hopes of discovering helpful solutions to their questions. Google has tried to combine outcomes from Reddit in its search interface, and taking discover of the pattern, Reddit has been experimenting with its own AI search as nicely. However the firm has loftier ambitions: it desires to develop into the go-to search engine folks use.

Reddit’s CEO, Steve Huffman, mentioned as a lot throughout its second-quarter convention name on Thursday: “Reddit is among the few platforms positioned to develop into a real search vacation spot. We provide one thing particular, a breadth of conversations and data you possibly can’t discover anyplace else.”

Huffman famous that Reddit’s search perform has greater than 70 million weekly customers, and its AI-powered Q&A product, Reddit Solutions, is now utilized by 6 million folks.

Reddit Solutions is at present out there in a dozen international locations, and the corporate plans to increase it globally in addition to give it distinguished placement within the website’s interface. The corporate ultimately desires to unify the core search perform with Reddit Solutions, and redesign its app to have the search field be extra prominently seen.

“We’re unifying these [Reddit search and Reddit Answers] right into a single search expertise, and we’re gonna carry that entrance and middle within the app. So, whether or not you’re a brand new consumer opening the app for the primary time or a returning consumer opening the app, that search field can be current instantly,” Huffman mentioned on the decision.

Individuals are more and more being offered chat-styled search interfaces from merchandise like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s new AI mode. Reddit understandably believes that tapping its wealthy trove of consumer posts and feedback to assist folks discover solutions will assist make its search perform extra helpful.

Reddit reported a optimistic second quarter, with income leaping 78% to $500 million from a yr earlier. The corporate launched two new ad tools, which let entrepreneurs use Reddit information to identify tendencies, and leverage feedback about manufacturers of their campaigns.