Reddit CEO Steve Huffman said AI chatbots are not yet a meaningful traffic source for the platform, even as AI-powered search continues to grow across companies like OpenAI and Google. Speaking during Reddit’s Q3 2025 earnings call, Huffman emphasized that Google search and direct visits remain the platform’s dominant traffic drivers.
“[Chatbots are] not a traffic driver today,” Huffman told analysts. He added that Reddit’s relationships with AI firms like Google and OpenAI remain strong and mutually beneficial, particularly after the platform reinforced data-use restrictions last year. “We both learned a lot … about the value of Reddit’s data and where our respective products can go,” he said.
Huffman confirmed that roughly half of Reddit’s traffic comes from Google and about half from direct access, calling that estimate “pretty close.”
Reddit has pursued a dual strategy with AI companies. It locked down commercial access to its data in 2024 and has taken legal action against firms including Anthropic and Perplexity, while also striking licensing deals with OpenAI and Google for model training.
The company posted a strong quarter with $585 million in revenue, up 68% year-on-year. Daily active unique users reached 116 million, while weekly actives climbed to 444 million — including 190 million weekly users in the U.S. International daily usage grew 31% year-over-year.
Reddit continues to push deeper into AI-enhanced search. Huffman said 20% of search activity now runs through AI-powered Answers and traditional query features, with 75 million weekly searchers on the platform in Q3. A unified AI-and-search experience is expected in the coming quarters.
Reddit is also testing a simplified onboarding process to improve early-stage engagement. “Our goal is to connect users with relevant content very quickly,” Huffman said, adding that new users should be able to “see in their first session that Reddit has content for them.”
Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or investment advice. Stock market investments are subject to market risks. Always conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions. Author or Business Upturn is not liable for any losses arising from the use of this information.
-
Food startup is changing the world of food, Amit’s inspiring story
-
Include these yoga asanas in your daily routine, you will get relief from neck pain, know the method.
-
Know the importance and worship method of Devuthani Ekadashi
-
Akshaya Navami 2025: Why is the worship of Amla tree special on Kartik Shukla Navami? Know the importance, worship method and auspicious time related to Vishnu-Shiva.
-
The power of green innovation! Bio-manufacturing will become the backbone of India’s $5 trillion economy
