AI Chatbots Not Driving Significant Reddit Traffic, CEO Confirms
Reddit CEO Steve Huffman clarified during the company’s Q3 2025 earnings call that AI chatbots currently do not serve as a major source of traffic for the platform. Despite the growing adoption of AI-powered search tools by companies like OpenAI and Google, Reddit’s primary traffic drivers remain Google search and direct visits.
“[Chatbots are] not a traffic driver today. I think our relationships with the companies that we work for — or work with directly are healthy, and we both learned a lot over the last couple of years, really the value of Reddit’s data and where our respective products can go and how we can help each other. But they’re not a major traffic driver today,” Huffman stated.
Traffic Composition: Google Search and Direct Access Lead
When asked about the split of traffic sources, Huffman estimated that approximately 50% of Reddit’s traffic comes from Google search, with the remaining 50% arriving via direct access. These figures, while approximate, illustrate the platform’s reliance on traditional traffic channels rather than emerging AI-driven pathways.
Data Licensing and Strategic AI Partnerships
Reddit has taken a cautious approach to its data use amid the AI boom. In May 2024, the company tightened data access policies, requiring commercial entities to obtain licenses for any use of Reddit data. Despite this, Reddit maintains a partnership with OpenAI, allowing the use of its data for training AI models, and also has an agreement with Google. However, Reddit is engaged in legal disputes with other AI companies such as Anthropic and Perplexity.
Robust Growth in Revenue and User Engagement
The company reported strong financial performance for Q3 2025, posting $585 million in revenue—a 68% increase year-over-year. User engagement metrics also showed significant growth, with 116 million daily active unique users and 444 million weekly active unique users, marking a 20% year-over-year increase. International daily users grew by 31%, and over 190 million Americans visit Reddit weekly.
Integrating AI into Reddit’s Search Experience
Reddit continues to prioritize search as a core component of the platform experience. Huffman revealed that AI-powered Answers now handle approximately 20% of Reddit’s search volume, with 75 million weekly users engaging in search activities. The company plans to further unify AI capabilities with its core search functionality in the coming quarters.
Simplifying Onboarding to Boost Early Engagement
To enhance user retention, Reddit is testing a streamlined onboarding process aimed at quickly connecting new users with content tailored to their interests. Huffman emphasized the importance of demonstrating Reddit’s value during a user’s initial session to foster engagement.
“We want them to see in their first session that Reddit is amazing and has content for them. So our goal is to connect users with relevant content very quickly,” Huffman explained.
FinOracleAI — Market View
Reddit’s cautious stance on AI-driven traffic reflects a realistic assessment of current user behavior and platform dynamics. While AI chatbots and tools are rapidly evolving, their ability to redirect significant traffic to content platforms like Reddit remains limited. The company’s balanced approach—preserving data value through licensing while fostering strategic AI partnerships—positions it well for sustainable growth.
- Opportunities: Integration of AI-powered search can enhance user experience and increase engagement.
- Risks: Legal disputes with AI firms may constrain data monetization and partnerships.
- Growth Potential: Expanding international user base and improved onboarding may boost long-term retention.
- Market Position: Maintaining strong relationships with Google and OpenAI supports platform relevance.
Impact: Reddit’s pragmatic approach to AI integration and data management supports steady platform growth without overreliance on emerging AI traffic sources.
