Reddit users will soon experience a new feature designed to enhance their search experience: AI-generated summaries. This announcement came from Reddit co-founder and CEO Steve Huffman during the company’s earnings call on Tuesday. Huffman detailed the company’s plans to test AI-powered search result pages that will “summarize and recommend content,” aiming to help users “dive deeper” into discussions and discover new communities on the platform.
This innovative feature will leverage a combination of first-party and third-party technology to deliver its capabilities. Huffman emphasized that Reddit is set to begin experimenting with this AI-powered feature later this year, marking a significant step in the company’s ongoing efforts to integrate advanced AI functionalities.
For those tracking Reddit’s recent moves, the introduction of an AI-powered search feature comes as no surprise. In May, Reddit announced a partnership with OpenAI, allowing the company to utilize OpenAI’s large language models to develop AI-driven features for both Reddit users and moderators. This partnership also permits OpenAI to access and use Reddit’s data, highlighting a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing user experience. Earlier this year, Reddit also entered into a similar agreement with Google, further cementing its commitment to AI integration.
AI was a prominent theme in Tuesday’s call. Huffman proudly reported the success of Reddit’s AI-powered language translation feature, noting that France has become one of its “fastest-growing countries.” The company is now expanding this translation feature to include German, Spanish, and Portuguese, reflecting Reddit’s focus on broadening its global reach.
This earnings call marked the second time Reddit has reported its quarterly earnings since going public. The results were promising, with Reddit reporting 342.3 million weekly active users, a significant 57% increase from the previous year. Additionally, the company’s revenue rose to $281.2 million, surpassing Wall Street estimates of $253.8 million.
Reddit’s ongoing integration of AI technologies signifies a strategic effort to enhance user engagement and satisfaction. By introducing AI-generated summaries, Reddit aims to make content discovery more intuitive and enriching for its vast user base.
