The rise of AI is reshaping the way we use search engines. This week, both Google and Reddit announced major steps to integrate artificial intelligence directly into their primary search interfaces, signaling a transformation in how users will interact with these platforms moving forward.
Google revealed that it’s moving its experimental AI Mode from its Labs program into the main search experience for a limited number of users in the U.S. In the coming weeks, some users will notice a new AI Mode tab alongside the usual options like “All,” “Images,” and “Videos.”
Google has been gradually testing this feature since March, so this expansion doesn’t come as a surprise. But this isn’t just another AI-generated summary at the top of search results—it represents a whole new approach to searching online.
Rather than presenting a list of links, the new AI Mode allows users to engage in a conversation with an AI assistant that draws data from Google’s vast index. The interface resembles a chatbot, complete with features such as a search history panel and interactive cards displaying real-time information on products and locations.
However, Google has drawn some criticism for how it’s rolling this out. One Reddit user pointed out that the AI Mode tab is being placed where the standard “All” tab used to be, possibly prompting users to click it by habit. It’s a subtle move that could steer users toward the AI experience unintentionally.
Meanwhile, Reddit is also embracing AI at the core of its search functionality. During the company’s first-quarter earnings call, CEO Steve Huffman confirmed that the platform’s AI chatbot, Reddit Answers, will soon be built into the main search bar. Initially launched in beta last December, the tool already boasts a million weekly active users and is now expanding to more countries including Australia, the UK, Canada, and India.
Huffman said the best way to deploy the Answers feature would be through the main search input, enabling users to ask full questions instead of typing fragmented keywords.
Reddit’s strategy targets a common behavior: people who go to Google and type a question followed by the word “Reddit” to find community-driven responses. Now, Reddit aims to attract those users directly to its own platform.
The timing of these announcements is notable, especially as Google faces increasing friction with publishers. After years of using online content to train its AI models, Google recently downplayed the value of news for generating ad revenue—a statement that didn’t sit well with many media organizations.
Both Google and Reddit view AI-powered search as essential to their future strategies. Reddit, in particular, cited that recent changes to Google’s search algorithm caused unpredictable fluctuations in its traffic, unsettling investors even as the company posted solid earnings. Developing its own AI search system helps reduce reliance on Google.
For everyday users, this shift could dramatically change how we search online. The traditional blue-link search results might soon give way to conversational AI that tries to answer queries directly—potentially making searching faster, but also raising concerns about accuracy and transparency.
Reddit reported impressive financials for the first quarter, with revenue hitting \$392.4 million—a 61% increase from the previous year—and daily active users reaching 108.1 million, up 31%. The strong results led to a bump in the company’s stock during after-hours trading.
With both tech giants charging forward, the competition to redefine the future of search is now in full swing.