Reddit Answers AI Chatbot Aims to Capture Google-Driven Traffic

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The Reddit Answers AI chatbot is Reddit’s latest strategic product, targeting not just regular users but those arriving from Google Search in pursuit of real, community-based answers.

According to Reddit CEO Steve Huffman, users fall into two broad groups: Scrollers—those who immerse themselves in subreddit conversations—and Seekers, who often find Reddit through search engines by appending “Reddit” to their queries. Reddit Answers was built specifically for this second group, providing quick, AI-generated summaries and direct quotes from Reddit threads.

Reddit Answers Hits 1 Million Weekly Users, Expands Internationally

First introduced in beta in December, Reddit Answers has already attracted over 1 million weekly active users. The feature, designed to streamline access to real advice and discussions, has since expanded beyond the U.S. to markets including Canada, the U.K., Australia, and India.

Huffman highlighted during Reddit’s Q1 earnings call that Seekers aren’t necessarily looking for community engagement—they’re looking for specific answers. “They’re not coming for a subreddit,” he explained. “They’re coming to solve a problem.”

Currently positioned as a standalone tab in the Reddit app’s navigation bar, the chatbot is expected to be more deeply integrated into Reddit’s core search features in the months ahead.

Deeper Integration and External Search Plans for 2025

Looking forward, Reddit plans to embed the Answers tool directly into the primary search box, enabling users to input more detailed questions and receive clearer responses. Another possible integration is at the onboarding stage, helping new users discover Reddit content through AI-curated answers.

External search also remains a key focus. By using Reddit Answers as an entry point from search engines, the company hopes to offer summarized and digestible content, enhancing Reddit’s visibility while reducing dependency on Google’s search algorithm volatility.

Navigating Google’s Impact and Preparing for Algorithmic Shifts

Recent changes in Google Search have already introduced fluctuations in Reddit’s growth metrics. Huffman acknowledged the platform’s openness can lead to instability, stating, “We do expect some bumps along the way… The Search ecosystem is under heavy construction.”

Despite these challenges, Reddit’s strong Q1 financials reassured investors. The company posted $392.4 million in revenue—a 61% year-over-year surge—along with an adjusted EBITDA of $115.3 million. Daily active unique users climbed to 108.1 million, up 31% compared to last year.

For Q2, Reddit projects revenue between $410 million and $430 million, with adjusted EBITDA forecasted between $110 million and $130 million.

With the Reddit Answers AI chatbot, Reddit is not just enhancing user experience—it’s solidifying its position in the evolving search landscape, bridging community wisdom with algorithmic precision.

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