Snap Inc. has entered into a significant $400 million agreement with Perplexity AI, set to introduce advanced AI-driven search functionalities to Snapchat's extensive user base. This integration, projected to roll out in early 2026, will make the AI search engine directly accessible to nearly one billion monthly active users, transforming how they interact with the platform. This announcement coincides with Snap's disclosure of better-than-anticipated financial outcomes for the third quarter and a commitment to a $500 million stock buyback program, signaling robust corporate health and future-oriented strategies.
The financial terms of the deal stipulate that Perplexity AI will compensate Snap with $400 million over a twelve-month period, delivered through a blend of cash and equity. Snap anticipates that this partnership will begin contributing to its revenue streams starting in 2026. A core benefit of this collaboration is the seamless incorporation of Perplexity's AI-powered search capabilities, allowing Snapchat users to pose questions and receive accurate, conversational responses derived from verified sources, all without exiting the application.
Evan Spiegel, CEO of Snap, indicated the potential for similar future collaborations with other artificial intelligence firms. He emphasized that this partnership with Perplexity AI aligns with a shared commitment to leveraging AI for enriching discovery and fostering connection within the Snapchat environment. This forward-looking approach suggests a broader strategy to continuously innovate and integrate cutting-edge AI technologies, promising an evolving and dynamic user experience.
Following the announcement, Snap Inc.'s shares experienced a notable surge, climbing over 23% in after-hours trading. Despite this immediate positive reaction, the stock has seen approximately a 35% decline year-to-date, closing the preceding trading session at $7.30. The platform reported an 8% increase in global daily active users (DAUs), reaching 477 million in the third quarter. However, the company projects a potential slight decrease in overall DAUs for the fourth quarter, attributing this to shifting investment priorities and the anticipated effects of age verification measures and an evolving regulatory landscape. Despite these fluctuations, market analytics indicate a positive short and medium-term trend for Snap, though the long-term outlook remains cautious.