Reddit CEO Steven Huffman sends ‘search engine’ warning to Google: ‘Just about anybody using Google at this point will end up…’
Reddit CEO Steven Huffman has issued a pointed warning to Google, asserting that the social platform is already a ‘de facto’ search engine for millions of users. The comments came soon after following a blockbuster earnings report that saw Reddit’s stock jump 25%, and highlight a growing tension between the two companies as Google integrates AI into its core search product.During Reddit’s recent earnings call, Huffman stated that “those who are using Google will end up on Reddit at some point.” “And, in fact, I think for most of our users, this is already true, whether they’re running a search on Reddit directly or using a third-party search product and coming to Reddit, which is just about anybody using Google at this point will end up on Reddit at some point,” Huffman stated.“Those users also can be core Reddit users. And so it’s not a stretch to say that our core users are already scrollers and seekers,” he added.
‘Reddit is one of the most-searched-for terms on Google’
Huffman noted that “Reddit” has become one of the most-searched-for terms on Google, as users are increasingly appending the platform’s name to their queries in an effort to find authentic, human-sourced answers.When questioned how Google’s new AI Mode—which provides users with direct, AI-generated answers instead of a list of links—would impact Reddit. Huffman acknowledged that Google’s product is “evolving rapidly, and that affects everybody in the ecosystem.”“Google is testing lots on their side. I think their product is evolving rapidly, and that affects everybody in the ecosystem. But I think you’re right. We’ve seen some puts and takes there. But I think there’s a couple of things that are foundational,” the Reddit CEO said. “It’s why the word Reddit is one of the most searched for terms on Google, because users around the internet go to Google with the intention of ending up on Reddit,” he noted.Huffman’s statement signals Reddit’s intent to become a search engine in its own right.
