Reddit is testing a new AI search feature for shopping

Reddit is testing an AI search feature that combines community recommendations with shopping. A limited group of U.S. users will see product carousels in search results, linking to retailers. This reflects Reddit's shift to integrate e-commerce, following its launch of Dynamic Product Ads last year, and aims to enhance user navigation while leveraging community insights.

Key Points

• Reddit announces testing of a new AI search tool for shopping.
• The feature shows interactive product carousels based on community recommendations.
• Users in the U.S. can view product details and purchase links directly from search results.
• This move aims to enhance e-commerce capabilities on the platform, building on previous ad products.
• Weekly active users for Reddit's search increased from 60 million to 80 million, highlighting the growing importance of search features.
• CEO Steve Huffman indicated potential revenue opportunities through the AI search engine.

Relevance

• The trend of integrating AI in e-commerce is gaining momentum in 2025, with Reddit joining platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
• OpenAI's ChatGPT has also introduced shopping capabilities, showcasing a broader trend in retail technology.
• The evolution of user engagement strategies within social media emphasizes the blending of community interaction and marketplace functionality.

This new AI search feature represents a significant shift for Reddit, aiming to enhance user experience while tapping into e-commerce, reflecting broader industry trends of merging social media with shopping functionalities.