Perplexity’s AI Search Soars to 780 Million Queries, Eyes Browser Revolution

SAN FRANCISCO, June 6, 2025 - Perplexity, an AI-powered search engine, processed 780 million queries in May 2025, marking a 20% month-over-month growth, CEO Aravind Srinivas announced at Bloomberg’s Tech Summit on June 5. From just 3,000 queries on its first day in 2022 to 30 million daily queries now, the company’s rapid rise signals its challenge to traditional search giants.

Srinivas projected that sustaining this growth could lead to a billion queries per week within a year, driven by Perplexity’s innovative Comet browser, set to launch soon. Unlike conventional browsers, Comet aims to act as a cognitive operating system, integrating AI to perform tasks and enhance user retention, positioning Perplexity to compete with industry leaders like Google.

Exponential Growth in AI Search

Perplexity’s surge from 3,000 queries in 2022 to 780 million in May 2025 reflects its growing appeal as users seek alternatives to legacy search engines. Srinivas highlighted that each AI-powered answer consolidates multiple searches into one, delivering efficiency that resonates with users.

The company’s focus on real-time, accurate responses has attracted a diverse user base, with daily active users reaching 15 million in Q1 2025, according to industry estimates. This growth trajectory underscores Perplexity’s ambition to redefine how users interact with information online, leveraging AI to streamline complex queries and deliver actionable insights.

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Comet: Redefining the Browser Experience

The upcoming Comet browser is central to Perplexity’s vision of transforming internet use from passive browsing to proactive, AI-driven task completion. Srinivas described Comet as a cognitive operating system that integrates seamlessly with users’ digital lives, handling everything from search to complex actions like booking travel or drafting emails. Unlike traditional browsers, Comet will operate across client and server environments, maximizing efficiency and enabling personalized AI interactions.

By tracking user activity beyond its app, Perplexity aims to offer premium advertising opportunities, mirroring strategies that fueled Google’s dominance. The browser’s launch, expected by July 2025, could accelerate Perplexity’s growth by capturing users frustrated with outdated browser experiences.

Did You Know?
In 2023, Perplexity’s AI search engine gained traction by answering queries with cited sources, a feature that set it apart from early chatbot competitors like ChatGPT.

Challenging the Status Quo

Srinivas emphasized that Comet is not just another browser but a paradigm shift, designed for a world where people increasingly live online. By embedding AI deeply into the browsing experience, Perplexity aims to boost query volume per user and attract new users seeking alternatives to Chrome and Safari.

The company’s strategy includes leveraging Comet to enhance ad revenue, with premium ad slots projected to generate $200 million annually by 2026, according to industry analysts. However, challenges remain, including privacy concerns and competition from established players. Perplexity’s ability to balance innovation with user trust will determine its success in reshaping the internet landscape.