Snapchat is on the verge of undergoing an innovative transformation that will allow its users to employ the app not merely as a photo-sharing platform but also as a sophisticated artificial intelligence–driven search tool. On Wednesday, the company revealed a strategic partnership that will integrate Perplexity AI directly into Snapchat’s existing search framework. Under the terms of this agreement, Perplexity will provide Snap with a combination of cash and equity valued at roughly $400 million over the course of a single year, underscoring the scale and seriousness of the collaboration.
In the official press announcement, Snap explained that Perplexity’s advanced AI answer engine will enable Snapchat users—or Snapchatters—to ask questions in natural, conversational language and receive coherent, well-structured, and trustworthy responses. These answers will be derived from verified sources rather than unsubstantiated data, ensuring accuracy and credibility while maintaining the engaging, chat-like tone that defines Snapchat’s user experience. Importantly, this entire process will take place inside the app itself, eliminating the need for users to navigate away from Snapchat in order to search for information.
Both companies anticipate launching the new AI-powered Perplexity search experience in early 2026. A spokesperson for Perplexity clarified to Business Insider that the partnership would uphold strong privacy standards—specifically, that personal data collected from Snapchat users will not be used to train Perplexity’s artificial intelligence systems. This assurance is notable amid growing public scrutiny regarding data usage, consent, and transparency in AI development.
Snap CEO Evan Spiegel emphasized the broader ambition behind the initiative, stating that the company’s goal is to make artificial intelligence feel more personal, social, and enjoyable—seamlessly incorporated into everyday communication and the spontaneous exchanges that occur between friends on the platform. By blending AI technology with the casual, creative atmosphere of Snaps and conversations, Snap aims to ensure that artificial intelligence feels like an organic part of the app, rather than an intrusive or overly technical addition.
The announcement coincided with Snap’s release of its third-quarter financial results. The company reported revenue totaling $1.51 billion—a 10% increase compared to the same quarter the previous year—indicating modest yet consistent growth. During the same period, the platform’s monthly active users climbed 7% year-over-year, rising to approximately 943 million. Following these positive metrics, Snap’s stock price skyrocketed by more than 17% in after-hours trading on Wednesday. Nevertheless, despite this short-term bump, the company’s overall shares remain down more than 35% for the year, highlighting an underlying volatility in market confidence.
This latest collaboration between Snap and Perplexity mirrors a broader trend sweeping through the social media landscape, where platforms are racing to embed artificial intelligence into their ecosystems. Industry pioneers such as Meta and Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) have already launched chatbot-based features designed to enhance user engagement. Meta, for example, unveiled its “Meta AI” chatbot across Instagram, WhatsApp, and Facebook in April 2024. While intended to expand user interaction, the chatbot received mixed public responses—some praised its creative utility, while others complained that it occasionally activated unnecessarily, disrupting the overall user experience. Similarly, Musk’s X introduced its own AI assistant, the “Grok” chatbot, in December, labeling it a more “politically incorrect” alternative to mainstream language models.
The Perplexity partnership also aligns with an observable shift within Snapchat’s own user behavior patterns. During the company’s earnings call, Spiegel noted that engagement has increasingly migrated away from traditional friend stories toward Spotlight—Snapchat’s discoverable, public-facing video feed. Spotlight functions as a platform where users can browse short, dynamic, and entertaining clips reminiscent of TikTok’s “For You Page” or Instagram’s Reels. Recognizing this shift, Snap has expressed its intention to introduce additional features—such as interactive games and conversation prompts—designed to reignite personal connections and encourage meaningful interactions between users.
Overall, the integration of Perplexity AI into Snapchat marks not only a technological advancement but also a strategic evolution in how the platform envisions its future. By fusing social media spontaneity with intelligent search capabilities, Snap is positioning itself to redefine how millions of users discover, share, and discuss information every day—bridging the gap between communication, entertainment, and knowledge within a single, cohesive digital environment.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/snapchat-perplexity-deal-ai-search-engine-app-earnings-2025-11
