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Reddit Launches AI Search Tool After Blocking Data Scrapers

Ken Metral

Ken Metral

— 2 min read
Reddit Launches AI Search Tool After Blocking Data Scrapers
Credit: Reddit, Inc.

Reddit has rolled out Reddit Answers, its new AI-powered search tool that allows users to find summarized content directly on the platform, bypassing traditional search engines like Google. The move marks Reddit's entry into the escalating AI search wars, further modernizing its search experience and driving investor enthusiasm. Reddit's stock (Nasdaq: RDDT) jumped 4% to $169 per share on Monday following the announcement.

What is Reddit Answers?

Reddit Answers, still in beta, summarizes Reddit posts and conversations, allowing users to quickly access relevant insights without digging through threads or relying on Google. Key details include:

  • Availability: U.S. users on web browsers or iOS (Android is coming soon).
  • Content Limits: Supports only English language searches for now and excludes NSFW subreddits.
  • Features:
    • AI-generated summaries with links to original threads.
    • Inline previews of Reddit conversations for faster access.
    • Follow-up question suggestions for deeper exploration.

According to Reddit’s blog post:

“Curated summaries of relevant conversations and details across Reddit will appear, including links to related communities and posts.”

The tool directly competes with Google by addressing a specific behavior: users adding "Reddit" to Google searches to find more authentic, community-driven answers. With Reddit Answers:

  • Users can skip Google and get information directly on Reddit.
  • Summaries are information-forward, offering faster access to insights.
  • Hyperlinks and previews streamline navigation to relevant threads.

However, accuracy isn’t guaranteed. AI-generated summaries rely on user-created content, which may be opinionated, biased, or incorrect.

Reddit’s Relationship with Google

Reddit CEO Steve Huffman acknowledged the platform’s reliance on Google during an October earnings call:

“Reddit is the sixth most searched word on Google in the U.S. this year.”

Recent Google updates have driven more traffic to Reddit, contributing to its growth and 185% stock surge over the past six months. However, Reddit Answers signals Reddit's intent to reduce dependence on external search engines and leverage its massive content database for direct user engagement.

Monetization Plans

While Reddit Answers remains in its early stages, Reddit sees significant monetization opportunities ahead. Huffman emphasized a cautious approach:

“First users, then the monetization, but it’s one of our top investments heading into next year.”

The AI Search Wars

Reddit’s move comes as competition in AI search intensifies:

  • OpenAI has launched AI-driven web search within ChatGPT.
  • Apple Intelligence revamps Siri with ChatGPT integration.
  • Meta is developing Meta AI to power its own search capabilities.
  • Google continues to enhance its search with AI-powered summaries and Gemini AI, leveraging Android’s dominance.

What’s Next for Reddit?

Reddit Answers positions Reddit as a direct search destination, improving user experience while reducing reliance on Google. If successful, the tool could unlock new monetization streams and solidify Reddit’s position as a leader in AI-driven search.

For now, the tool remains exclusive to select users, but broader access is expected in the coming weeks as Reddit continues to test and expand this innovative feature.

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