Reddit’s Conversational AI Search Tool Now Powered by Google Gemini

Answers to all our Google searches that almost always seemingly lead us to Reddit may now be a tad easier.

Reddit has integrated Google’s Gemini model into its AI-powered search tool, Reddit Answers, aiming to boost search relevance and keep users engaged on the platform. The announcement was made Wednesday, following a year after Reddit expanded its collaboration with Google Cloud to access the Vertex AI platform.

This comes as Reddit Answers, which has been in beta since December 2024, allows users to ask conversational queries and receive AI-generated summaries based on comments and posts. With Gemini running through Vertex AI, Reddit expects the tool to deliver faster and more accurate answers.

The upgrade is part of Reddit’s broader move to strengthen its position in the generative AI space and reduce user reliance on external search engines like Google. The company also benefits from licensing its data to AI firms, including OpenAI and Google.

Meanwhile, reactions to Reddit Answers have been mixed. Some users say it mimics X’s Grok AI, which has faced criticism for generating unreliable content. Others appreciate the convenience of receiving condensed responses for general queries, such as cleaning tips or lifestyle advice.

Reddit Answers is currently available in English for users in the U.S. through the web and iOS, with no news yet on a possible global release. (GFB)