AI-powered Reddit Solutions permits customers to entry info based mostly on Reddit posts, in transfer to cut back Google dependence
Reddit has begun rolling out a synthetic intelligence-powered function designed to offer info to customers based mostly on posts on the platform in addition to serving to to navigate the positioning.
Initially solely a small portion of the providers’s US customers may have entry to the function, referred to as Reddit Solutions, for continued testing earlier than a deliberate broader launch.
A button takes customers to the function, which permits customers to ask questions in a method much like generative AI providers corresponding to ChatGPT and Perplexity.
The function responds by formulating a solution based mostly on posts from the positioning, and offers hyperlinks to go on to the content material.
AI entry
The corporate has been testing the function for six months and sees it as a method to enhance the best way individuals navigate the positioning.
At the moment many individuals discover posts on the service via Google searches, and the corporate mentioned it’s seeking to scale back that dependence.
The agency mentioned customers will be capable to create queries for any matter besides these deemed “not protected for work”, or NSFW.
Chief govt Steve Huffman instructed analysts in October that the corporate sees search as a “targeted funding” for 2025.
He mentioned on the time that “Reddit” was the sixth most-searched phrase on Google within the US this yr.
“They’re utilizing, on this case, Google to navigate Reddit,” he mentioned.
The function is constructed on prime of Reddit’s present search instruments and makes use of AI fashions from OpenAI and Google Cloud.
Reddit has content material licensing offers with each OpenAI and Google, beneath which the businesses pay to make use of Reddit content material to enhance their AI fashions.
AI translation
Reddit Solutions is out there in English for iOS and desktop customers initially, with plans to roll it out on Android and in different languages sooner or later, the corporate mentioned.
On the October earnings name Huffman mentioned a brand new AI translation function had develop into one of many foremost drivers of person progress, particularly in international locations corresponding to France, India and the Philippines.
The instrument contains translations between English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and German and Reddit plans to broaden it to greater than 30 international locations into 2025.
Promoting stays the corporate’s greatest income, however it has mentioned the licensing agreements with Google and OpenAI are starting to repay.
Reddit has mentioned it’s taking a look at methods of encouraging individuals to create accounts, and in August hinted it could introduce paywalls for some subreddits.
