Reddit CEO Steve Huffman has expressed skepticism regarding the impact of AI chatbots on website traffic, stating that they do not significantly drive users to the platform. During the Q3 2025 earnings call, he emphasized that traditional Google search and direct visits remain the primary sources of traffic for Reddit. Huffman stated, “[Chatbots are] not a traffic driver today,” and reiterated the strength of Reddit’s partnerships with companies like OpenAI and Google.
In response to an analyst’s question about traffic distribution, Huffman confirmed that approximately 50% of Reddit’s traffic is sourced from Google, with the remaining coming directly from users. This aligns with the company’s ongoing efforts to secure its data, implementing a new policy in May 2024 requiring a license for any commercial use of its content.
Despite challenges, including a legal dispute with AI firms such as Anthropic and Perplexity, Reddit reported impressive financial results—$585 million in revenue for the quarter, reflecting a 68% increase year-over-year. Furthermore, the platform boasted 116 million daily active unique users and 444 million weekly active unique users, with international growth at 31%.
Reddit is also prioritizing enhancements to its search capabilities, handling 20% of search volumes through its AI-powered Answers feature. With 75 million weekly searches taking place on the platform, the company is working to integrate AI with its core search experience, anticipating updates in the near future.
In a bid to improve user retention, Reddit is experimenting with a streamlined onboarding process designed to engage new users quickly. Huffman highlighted the objective of showcasing Reddit’s extensive content and connecting users with relevant materials right from their first interaction.
