Why You Care
Ever wonder if your favorite social apps could get even smarter? What if your quick questions on Snapchat were instantly answered by AI? Perplexity is paying Snap a hefty sum to make this a reality for you, directly within Snapchat’s popular My AI chatbot. This means more intelligent interactions and quicker information access right where you already spend time.
What Actually Happened
Snap recently announced a significant partnership with AI search engine Perplexity. According to the announcement, Perplexity will integrate its AI search capabilities directly into Snapchat’s My AI chatbot. This integration is part of a deal where Perplexity will pay Snap $400 million in cash and equity. The team revealed that this new feature will roll out early next year. Snap also reports that it expects to begin recording revenue from this deal starting in 2026. This move provides Perplexity with massive exposure to Snapchat’s user base, which exceeds 940 million individuals.
Why This Matters to You
This integration means your Snapchat experience is about to get a lot more informative. When you ask questions to My AI, you’ll receive answers powered by Perplexity’s AI engine. Imagine asking your chatbot for quick facts about a trending topic or details about a new movie, and getting accurate, concise information instantly. For example, if you’re chatting with friends about vacation plans, you could ask My AI, “What’s the average temperature in Bali in July?” and get an , AI-powered response. How might this change the way you interact with information daily?
This partnership also highlights the growing trend of AI integration into everyday platforms. It brings search capabilities to a social media environment, making information more accessible. The company reports that its subscription tier, Snapchat+, now boasts more than 17 million users. This shows a strong existing user base ready for enhanced features. As mentioned in the release, “This deal gives Perplexity exposure to more than 940 million Snapchat users, who will get answers from its AI engine when they ask questions to the company’s My AI chatbot.” This broad reach is a major win for Perplexity.
The Surprising Finding
What’s particularly interesting here isn’t just the partnership, but the financial structure. Typically, larger platforms acquire smaller tech companies or license their system. However, in this instance, Perplexity is paying Snap a substantial $400 million for the integration. This challenges the common assumption that the smaller, newer AI company would always be the one receiving payment for its system. It underscores the immense value placed on access to a vast, engaged user base like Snapchat’s 940 million users. This financial arrangement highlights the strategic importance of distribution in the AI landscape today.
What Happens Next
Users can expect to see this new AI search feature integrated into the Snapchat app’s interface early next year. This timeline suggests a rollout likely in Q1 or Q2 of 2026. For example, you might see a more search bar within My AI or enhanced contextual answers during conversations. This move could set a precedent for other social platforms seeking to deepen their AI capabilities. For content creators, this means new opportunities to engage audiences with AI-powered information. The industry implications are clear: AI search is becoming a core utility, not just a standalone product. The company reports that Snap will begin recording revenue from this deal from 2026, indicating a long-term strategic alliance.