Snap and Perplexity Partner to Bring Conversational AI Search to Snapchat
In a groundbreaking move, Snap Inc. (NYSE: SNAP) has announced a strategic partnership with Perplexity to integrate its AI-powered answer engine directly into Snapchat. This collaboration marks the first large-scale integration of an external AI partner into the app, expanding the AI offerings available to Snapchat’s massive community of nearly 1 billion monthly active users. Starting in early 2026, Perplexity will be accessible through Snapchat’s popular Chat interface, enabling users to ask questions, explore topics of interest, and gain clear, conversational answers drawn from verifiable sources—all without leaving the app.
A New Way to Discover and Learn on Snapchat
The integration of Perplexity’s AI-powered answer engine into Snapchat represents a significant evolution in how users interact with the platform. By leveraging Perplexity’s advanced technology, Snapchatters will be able to engage in real-time, conversational queries, receiving accurate and reliable information sourced from credible outlets. Whether users are seeking answers to everyday questions, exploring new topics, or diving deeper into their interests, Perplexity’s presence within Snapchat will enhance the discovery experience while maintaining the app’s signature fun and social vibe.
“Perplexity’s mission is to support the world’s curiosity,” said Aravind Srinivas, CEO of Perplexity. “Millions of people connect and discover the world through Snapchat. By bringing Perplexity to Snapchat, we’re able to serve that curiosity directly where it occurs.”
For Snap, this partnership aligns with its broader vision of making AI more personal, social, and engaging. “Our goal is to make AI more personal, social, and fun—woven into the fabric of your friendships, Snaps, and conversations,” said Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snap Inc. “This partnership reflects our shared vision for the power of AI to enhance discovery and connection on Snapchat, and we look forward to collaborating with more innovative partners in the future.”
Expanding AI Offerings on Snapchat
Snapchat’s decision to integrate Perplexity underscores its growing role as a trusted platform for AI innovation. With over 943 million monthly active users and more than 75% of 13–34-year-olds in over 25 countries using the app, Snapchat offers AI partners a unique opportunity to reach a vast, mobile-native audience in a privacy-safe environment. The partnership not only strengthens Snap’s position as a leader in AI-driven experiences but also sets the stage for future collaborations with other innovative companies.
Under the agreement, Perplexity will pay Snap $400 million over one year, combining cash and equity payments as the global rollout progresses. Revenue from the partnership is expected to begin contributing to Snap’s financials in 2026, further solidifying the company’s commitment to monetizing its AI initiatives while delivering value to its users.
How It Works: Perplexity Meets Snapchat
Once integrated, Perplexity will appear seamlessly within Snapchat’s Chat interface, allowing users to access its capabilities alongside their regular conversations. Unlike traditional search engines, Perplexity provides conversational responses, making it easier for users to engage with complex topics or seek quick answers in a format that feels natural and intuitive. This feature is particularly well-suited for Snapchat’s predominantly young and tech-savvy audience, who prioritize convenience, speed, and authenticity in their digital interactions.
Snapchatters will still have access to My AI, the existing chatbot powered by Snap’s internal AI systems. However, Perplexity’s addition introduces a complementary tool designed to help users find real-time answers from credible sources and explore new topics within the app. Together, these features aim to create a richer, more dynamic experience that blends discovery, learning, and social interaction.
Enhancing Personalization Through AI
Messages sent to Perplexity will contribute to enhancing personalization on Snapchat, similar to how interactions with My AI currently do. By analyzing user queries and engagement patterns, the platform can tailor content recommendations, improve ad targeting, and refine the overall user experience. This dual benefit—improving both functionality and monetization—highlights the strategic importance of AI integrations like Perplexity for Snap’s long-term growth.
Building Trust in AI-Powered Discovery
One of the key advantages of integrating Perplexity into Snapchat is its emphasis on credibility and transparency. Unlike generic AI models that may generate unverified or unreliable outputs, Perplexity’s answer engine pulls information from authoritative sources, ensuring users receive accurate and trustworthy responses. This focus on reliability aligns perfectly with Snap’s commitment to fostering trust among its user base—a critical factor given the increasing scrutiny surrounding AI technologies.
Moreover, the partnership positions Snapchat as a hub for responsible AI innovation. By embedding tools like Perplexity into its ecosystem, Snap demonstrates its dedication to providing users with safe, engaging, and meaningful ways to interact with AI. At the same time, the collaboration opens doors for other AI companies to explore opportunities within the Snapchat platform, potentially leading to even more creative and impactful integrations in the future.
About Snap Inc.
Snap Inc. is a technology company. We believe the camera presents the greatest opportunity to improve the way people live and communicate. We contribute to human progress by empowering people to express themselves, live in the moment, learn about the world, and have fun together. For more information, visit snap.com.
About Perplexity
Perplexity is an AI-powered answer engine that draws from credible sources in real time to accurately answer questions with in-line citations, perform deep research, and more. Founded in 2022, the company’s mission is to serve the world’s curiosity by bridging the gap between traditional search engines and AI-driven interfaces. Each week, Perplexity answers more than 150 million questions globally. Perplexity is available in the app store and online at https://www.perplexity.com.
