New Delhi | Updated: December 11, 2024 08:21 AM IST
3 min read
Whatsapp
twitter
Facebook
Reddit
Reddit gets a new AI powered search tool. (Image credit: Reddit)
Reddit has begun rolling out a new artificial intelligence feature designed to help users find answers within Reddit conversations and posts, the company announced on Tuesday. The feature, called Reddit Answers, is currently being tested with a small group of users in the U.S. as part of an initial trial before being made more widely available.
Reddit Answers works similarly to other AI search tools developed by tech companies. It responds to users’ questions with summaries of conversations from across the social media platform and provides links to relevant communities and posts. In essence, the feature functions as an AI chatbot capable of making recommendations and suggesting follow-up questions.
The AI chatbot works similar to Gemini or ChatGPT. (Image credit: Reddit)
Think of how Google Gemini and ChatGPT respond to users’ queries, but this tool is made by Reddit. The key distinction between Reddit Answers and Google Gemini or other AI chatbots is that the Reddit-made chatbot sources its information solely from posts found on Reddit, not from across the web.
For example, if a user asks Reddit Answers how to repair a Mac, the AI tool will respond with a bullet-point list of tips, summaries, and quotes from relevant Reddit posts. Users can then tap on links in the answers to go directly to the related Reddit posts.
With Reddit Answers, the social media platform continues to reduce its dependency on Google. Since the feature sources information directly from Reddit, users can bypass Google or OpenAI’s ChatGPT to find relevant communities and discussions. Over the past few months, Reddit has been blocking major search engines and AI chatbots from accessing recent posts and comments unless the search engine pays a fee. Currently, Google is the only search engine that still displays Reddit results.
Reddit Answers represents a new initiative by the company to enhance how users search for information on the platform. The company describes Reddit Answers as part of its “longer-term vision to improve the search experience” on its social network. Reddit CEO Steve Huffman recently emphasised that search will be a “focused investment” for the company in 2025.
Built on Reddit’s existing search architecture, Reddit Answers uses AI models from OpenAI and Google Cloud. The company has data-licensing agreements with both OpenAI and Google, allowing them to pay Reddit for using its data to train their AI models.
Question, meet Answers. 👋
Starting today, we’re rolling out a limited test in the U.S. of Reddit Answers—an AI-powered way to get the information, recommendations, and hot takes you only go to Reddit for. https://t.co/jPBdqEd2JL
Once regarded as one of the darkest corners of the internet, Reddit has evolved to become one of the last major platforms for unfiltered discussions and a trusted source of news and entertainment. With more users than ever flocking to Reddit, the company is focused on monetising its user base by introducing more personalized features and encouraging users to create accounts on the platform.
Story continues below this ad
Currently, Reddit Answers is only available in English for iOS and desktop users. However, the company plans to expand the feature to Android users and support additional languages in the future.
Anuj Bhatia is a seasoned personal technology writer at indianexpress.com with a career spanning over a decade. Active in the domain since 2011, he has established himself as a distinct voice in tech journalism, specializing in long-form narratives that bridge the gap between complex innovation and consumer lifestyle.
Experience & Career: Anuj has been a key contributor to The Indian Express since late 2016. Prior to his current tenure, he served as a Senior Tech Writer at My Mobile magazine and held a role as a reviewer and tech writer at Gizbot. His professional trajectory reflects a rigorous commitment to technology reporting, backed by a postgraduate degree from Banaras Hindu University.
Expertise & Focus Areas: Anuj’s reporting covers the spectrum of personal technology, characterized by a unique blend of modern analysis and historical context. His key focus areas include:
Core Technology: Comprehensive coverage of smartphones, personal computers, apps, and lifestyle tech.
Deep-Dive Narratives: Specializes in composing longer-form feature articles and explainers that explore the intersection of history, technology, and popular culture.
Global & Local Scope: Reports extensively on major international product launches from industry titans like Apple and Google, while simultaneously covering the ecosystem of indie and home-grown tech startups.
Niche Interests: A dedicated focus on vintage technology and retro gaming, offering readers a nostalgic yet analytical perspective on the evolution of tech.
Authoritativeness & Trust
Anuj is a trusted voice in the industry, recognized for his ability to de-jargonize trending topics and provide context to rapid technological advancements. His authority is reinforced by his on-ground presence at major international tech conferences and his nuanced approach to product reviews. By balancing coverage of the world's most valuable tech brands with emerging startups, he offers a holistic and objective view of the global technology landscape.
Find all stories by Anuj Bhatia here.
You can find Anuj on Linkedin. ... Read More
3 min read
The AI chatbot works similar to Gemini or ChatGPT. (Image credit: Reddit)
