In a recent Q3 2025 earnings call, Reddit CEO Steve Huffman addressed growing speculation around the role of AI in online discovery, stating that AI chatbots are not a major traffic driver for Reddit at present. Despite the rise of conversational AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini reshaping how users search for information, Huffman emphasized that traditional sources such as Google Search and direct access remain the platform’s top traffic channels.
“Chatbots are not a traffic driver today,” Huffman said during the call. “Our relationships with companies like OpenAI and Google remain healthy. We’ve learned the value of Reddit’s data and how our products can help each other. But for now, they’re not a major traffic driver.”
When asked whether Reddit’s traffic was split evenly between Google and direct users, Huffman confirmed the numbers were “approximate, but pretty close.”
Reddit’s Complicated Relationship with AI Companies
The Reddit CEO on AI chatbots topic also touches on Reddit’s complex history with AI developers. In May 2024, Reddit implemented stricter data licensing policies, requiring commercial AI model builders to obtain explicit permission to access its content.
Soon after, Reddit signed a licensing deal with OpenAI, granting it access to Reddit’s data for model training. The company also entered a partnership with Google to enhance AI-driven search experiences. However, Reddit has simultaneously been involved in legal disputes with AI startups like Anthropic and Perplexity, alleging unauthorized use of its data.
Strong Financial Performance Despite AI Headwinds
While AI chatbots aren’t boosting traffic yet, Reddit’s business metrics remain robust. The company reported $585 million in Q3 2025 revenue, marking a 68% year-over-year increase.
Daily active users reached 116 million, while weekly actives hit 444 million, representing 20% growth over the past year. International daily users also grew by 31%, and more than 190 million Americans visit Reddit weekly.
Huffman credited part of this success to Reddit’s growing focus on improving search and engagement.
Reddit’s AI Search Integration and Future Plans
Interestingly, while AI chatbots haven’t significantly driven Reddit traffic, the company is embracing AI internally. Huffman revealed that Reddit’s AI-powered Answers now handles 20% of all search volumes.
“We’ve been working on unifying AI and our core search experience, and that’s coming in the next few quarters,” Huffman said.
He also noted that 75 million users conduct searches on Reddit weekly, underscoring the platform’s role as a trusted source for authentic community-based knowledge — something AI chatbots still struggle to replicate.
Reddit’s Focus on Better Onboarding and User Experience
The Reddit CEO on AI chatbots discussion also highlighted Reddit’s efforts to enhance user engagement. Huffman said the company is experimenting with a simplified onboarding flow to help new users quickly connect with relevant content.
“We want them to see in their first session that Reddit is amazing and has content for them,” Huffman said.
As Reddit continues to refine its AI-driven search tools and community experiences, it’s clear the company sees its future less in depending on chatbots for traffic — and more in building AI tools that enhance discovery and engagement within its own ecosystem.
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