Perplexity AI Sees 780 Million Queries in One Month
Perplexity Experiences Rapid Growth in User Queries
During Bloomberg’s Tech Summit on Thursday, Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas revealed the AI search engine processed 780 million queries in May. The platform is currently experiencing a growth rate exceeding 20% each month.
Projected Query Volume and Historical Growth
Srinivas anticipates reaching a billion queries per week within a year, assuming the current growth momentum continues. He highlighted the significant progress made since the platform’s inception, noting that it began with just 3,000 queries on a single day in 2022.
This has evolved to approximately 30 million daily queries, representing remarkable expansion.
The Role of the Comet Browser in Future Growth
The company believes similar growth is achievable, particularly with the development of its new Comet browser.
Infinite retention is anticipated as users integrate the browser into their daily routines. Every interaction within the browser – search bar usage, new tab page activity, and sidecar features – will generate additional queries.
Furthermore, the Comet browser aims to attract users dissatisfied with established browsers like Chrome, contributing to overall user base expansion.
Shifting AI's Role: From Answers to Actions
Srinivas explained that Perplexity is developing Comet to transition AI’s function from simply providing information to actively performing tasks for users.
Currently, an AI-powered answer often consolidates the results of four or five separate searches. However, AI executing an action would represent a complete browsing session initiated by a single prompt.
Rethinking the Browser Experience
To facilitate this shift, a browser is essential, requiring a seamless integration of client-side and server-side computing. This necessitates a fundamental re-evaluation of browser architecture.
Perplexity views Comet not as just another browser, but as a “cognitive operating system.”
A Proactive and Personalized AI Companion
The browser is envisioned as a constant companion for both work and personal life, proactively assisting users and managing browsing sessions. This approach aims to redefine how individuals interact with the internet.
Srinivas suggests a move from simply browsing the internet to increasingly living within it, necessitating an AI that coexists with users and understands their needs.
Monetization Strategy: Premium Advertising
In April, Srinivas indicated that developing its own browser allows Perplexity to track user activity beyond its application. This data will enable the sale of premium ads, mirroring Google’s strategy for achieving its current market dominance.
Comet Launch Timeline
While a specific launch date remains undisclosed, Srinivas previously announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Comet is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
