Snapchat & Perplexity AI Team Up in $400 Million Deal to Reimagine Mobile Search
LOS ANGELES, CA – November 2, 2023 – In a move signaling a major shift in how we search on mobile, Snapchat today announced a groundbreaking partnership with AI-powered search engine Perplexity AI. The $400 million deal will see Perplexity’s technology deeply integrated into Snapchat’s core “chat” interface, promising users a more conversational and informative search experience directly within the app. This is big news, folks – a potential game-changer for both companies and a clear indicator of where social media is headed.
AI-Powered Search Comes to Snapchat in 2026
Starting in early 2026, Snapchat users will be able to simply ask questions and receive “clear, conversational answers from trusted sources” – all without leaving the app. This isn’t just about finding links; it’s about getting synthesized information, much like having a knowledgeable friend instantly answer your queries. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel emphasized that this integration will improve personalization and position Snap as a central hub for “intelligent agents,” hinting at a future where AI assistants are seamlessly woven into the Snapchat experience.
Beyond Search: Snap’s Expanding AI Ecosystem
This partnership isn’t happening in a vacuum. Snap has been steadily investing in generative AI for years. The company already boasts its own LLM-based chatbot, MyAI, which leverages models from OpenAI and Google, and will soon incorporate Perplexity AI as well. The introduction of AI-powered lenses and content creation tools has also fueled growth in Snapchat+, the platform’s subscription service. It’s clear Snap isn’t just adding AI features; they’re building an entire AI ecosystem.
Sneak Peek: AI Clips and the Future of Video Creation
But the innovation doesn’t stop at search. Spiegel also revealed “AI Clips,” a new feature currently in development that will allow creators to generate short, shareable videos using simple text prompts. Imagine typing “a golden retriever puppy playing in the snow” and instantly having a video ready to share with your friends. While a launch date hasn’t been announced, AI Clips promises to democratize video creation and unlock a new wave of user-generated content. This aligns with a broader trend in AI – making complex tasks accessible to everyone.
Specs Get a Subsidiary and a Second Look
Snap’s ambitions extend beyond the software realm. The company is also revisiting its augmented reality glasses, Specs. To foster greater flexibility in potential partnerships, Snap will transfer the Specs project to a wholly-owned subsidiary. Spiegel hinted at exploring collaborations with hardware partners to create a lighter, more refined version of the device. AR glasses have faced challenges in mainstream adoption, but Snap’s continued investment suggests they believe in the long-term potential of wearable AR technology. Remember Google Glass? Snap seems determined to learn from past mistakes and build something truly compelling.
The $400 million deal with Perplexity AI isn’t just a financial win for Snap; it’s a strategic move that positions the company at the forefront of the AI revolution in social media. By integrating powerful AI tools directly into its platform, Snap is not only enhancing the user experience but also laying the groundwork for a future where AI-powered interactions are the norm. Keep an eye on archyde.com for continued coverage of this evolving story and the broader impact of AI on the digital landscape.
