Perplexity and Snap Announce $400 Million Partnership to Integrate AI Search Into Snapchat

Perplexity AI and Snap Inc. have announced a $400 million partnership to embed Perplexity’s conversational answer engine directly into Snapchat, marking one of the largest AI integrations in a mainstream social platform to date. The collaboration, combining cash and equity over one year, will launch to Snapchat’s 943 million monthly active users beginning in early 2026.

Expanding AI Search Through Messaging

According to Snap’s investor release, Perplexity’s AI will appear in Snapchat’s Chat interface, allowing users to ask questions and receive conversational answers sourced from verifiable information — all without leaving the app. The integration will function alongside Snapchat’s existing “My AI” chatbot, which remains available as a separate assistant.

Perplexity currently handles more than 150 million queries per week. Embedding its AI system within Snapchat represents a major step toward scaling adoption by meeting users in the environments where they already communicate.

Strategic Implications

The deal underscores a growing shift in AI search distribution. Rather than relying on standalone web or mobile applications, AI-powered answer engines are increasingly reaching users through embedded integrations in messaging, productivity, and social platforms.

For Snap, the partnership could strengthen engagement among its core demographic—over 75% of 13–34-year-olds across more than 25 countries—while offering a differentiated AI experience tied directly to verified sources. For Perplexity, the move provides immediate access to one of the world’s largest social audiences, potentially accelerating user growth beyond its dedicated app and website.

Industry Context

This collaboration follows a wave of partnerships between AI startups and established consumer platforms as companies race to define how generative AI fits into daily digital interactions. Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI and Google’s integration of Gemini across its ecosystem have set early precedents for large-scale distribution. Snap’s deal with Perplexity signals that social and messaging platforms may be the next major channel for AI-driven search and discovery.

What’s Next

The Perplexity-powered experience will begin rolling out globally in 2026, though specific regional and language details have yet to be announced. Perplexity also indicated plans to explore additional partnerships aimed at expanding its AI’s reach across multiple platforms.