The Rise of AI Search Engines: Why Perplexity AI Could Be the Next Google

In recent years, search has undergone a dramatic shift. Where users once relied almost exclusively on keyword-based Google results, many are now turning to AI-powered answer engines. As one industry analysis notes, “search has evolved into a conversation” in 2025, tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity often provide natural-language answers directly to users. Indeed, major news outlets report that “a new generation of users is turning to chatbots such as ChatGPT and Perplexity for answers,” making web browsers and AI assistants key gateways to information. This shift is more than hype: AI-driven search engines like Perplexity-AI are rewriting the rules of online discovery, and some believe they could eventually challenge Google’s dominance.

 

Figure: An AI-driven virtual assistant, representing modern conversational search interfaces (Image: Pixabay).

The Evolution of Search: From Keywords to Conversations

Traditional search engines matched keywords against an index of pages, returning long lists of links. AI search engines, by contrast, use large language models (LLMs) and machine learning to understand user intent and context. A recent analysis explains that “search engines, once reliant on keyword-based algorithms, are now evolving into intelligent systems capable of understanding intent, context, and nuance—thanks to the rise of AI”. In practice, this means users get answers, not just links. For example, search engines can now provide direct summaries or conversational replies. One report emphasizes that “Generative AI is redefining how users receive information, offering direct, conversational answers instead of link-based results”.

• Semantic search: Interpreting the meaning behind queries to deliver more relevant results.
• Conversational interfaces: Providing chatbot-like interactions, where follow-up questions are handled naturally.
• Personalization: Tailoring answers to a user’s history, preferences, and real-time context.
• Multimodal search: Accepting voice, image, or video input, not just text, to find information.

Each of these features is powered by advanced AI models that make search engines not only faster but smarter. The result is a dramatically different user experience: instead of scrolling through pages of blue links, people increasingly expect instant, accurate answers that read like a conversation.

Why Users Are Shifting to AI Search

The rise of AI search tools reflects changing user preferences. Today’s internet users, especially younger generations, often prefer asking questions to an AI assistant over typing queries into Google. For instance, a major consulting firm reports that in 2025 “users are bypassing traditional search behavior in favor of AI-generated answers”. SEO experts also note trends that support this shift: “Zero-click searches are on the rise, driven by AI-generated results” and AI-powered summaries now dominate many queries. In practical terms, many queries that once required clicking through several links are now answered immediately by an AI snippet or chatbot response.

Major technology companies have taken note. Google and Microsoft have integrated AI into their own search interfaces (e.g. Google’s Search Generative Experience and Bing’s AI Copilot). Meanwhile, independent AI search engines have emerged. Among the most prominent are:

• ChatGPT (OpenAI): Originally a chat assistant, it now offers a web-browsing mode and plugins to retrieve up-to-date information.
• Bing Chat/Copilot (Microsoft): Integrates AI into the Bing search engine and Edge browser, providing conversational answers.
• Google Bard/Gemini: Google’s answer engine based on its Gemini model, aiming to deliver summarized responses.
• Claude AI (Anthropic) and others: Alternative LLM assistants being used for search-like queries.
• Perplexity AI: A newer independent search engine specializing in concise, cited answers.
• You.com: A privacy-focused AI search platform that allows users to customize sources.

Each of these AI tools follows the pattern of combining a powerful LLM with real-time data access. However, Perplexity AI has quickly become one of the fastest-growing names in the space. It’s this rapid rise—and Perplexity’s unique design—that has led many to ask: could Perplexity be the next Google?

Perplexity AI: An Overview

Perplexity AI is a conversational search engine founded in 2022. Unlike traditional search, Perplexity processes a user’s question through an LLM and live internet queries to generate an answer. Its core approach is to provide concise, factual responses with source citations. In Perplexity’s own words, it “uses large language models and incorporates real-time web search, enabling it to provide responses based on current Internet content”. Users can ask complex questions and then follow up naturally; every answer from Perplexity includes links to the original sources, which helps users verify information.

Key facts about Perplexity AI:

• Founded: 2022 by engineers with AI backgrounds.
• Technology: Operates a chat-style interface backed by various LLMs (including GPT-4.1, Claude 4.0, Google Gemini). It even allows users to select different models on its Pro plan.
• Interface: Available as a web app and as browser extensions (Chrome, iOS/Android).
• Business Model: Freemium. The basic search is free, while a paid Perplexity Pro subscription offers access to more powerful AI models and features.
• Responses with Sources: Every answer includes citations to external sources, distinguishing it from tools like ChatGPT that can hallucinate without references.
• Recent Growth: By May 2025, Perplexity was handling roughly 780 million queries in a single month (about 30 million per day) and growing over 20% per month.
• Funding and Valuation: The startup has raised around $1 billion from backers like Nvidia and SoftBank. As of mid-2025, its valuation is estimated around $18 billion.
• Products: In addition to the core search engine, Perplexity launched its own AI-powered web browser called Comet, and is reportedly in talks to pre-install it on smartphones.
• Challenges: Some publishers and media companies have raised concerns about copyright and trademark issues related to AI answers. These are broader debates affecting many AI tools today.

Together, these factors explain why Perplexity has become a fast-moving player. Its blend of a familiar chat interface, up-to-date web data, and transparent sourcing resonates with users who want quick, trustworthy answers.

Perplexity’s Growth and Impact

Perplexity’s rapid growth is striking. Reports indicate the startup recently processed *hundreds of millions* of monthly searches. Its funding rounds have attracted major tech investors: for example, NVIDIA led a \$400M round in early 2023. With this backing, Perplexity has pursued ambitious goals. Notably, Perplexity made headlines by submitting an unsolicited \$34.5 billion all-cash bid to acquire Google’s Chrome browser. That bold move was aimed at tapping into Chrome’s more than 3 billion users and boosting Perplexity’s reach.

These figures underscore Perplexity’s impact:

• User Adoption: Millions of people have tried Perplexity for searches. Its conversational answers and citation feature have been widely discussed in tech media.
• Investor Support: With ~$1B raised, Perplexity has the resources to innovate. Its ~$18B valuation puts it in competition with much larger tech firms.
• Product Expansion: Beyond web search, Perplexity now offers specialized modes (e.g. shopping search summaries) and continues to develop its Comet AI browser.
• Market Influence: Perplexity’s rise has pressured incumbents. Google, for instance, is adding AI-driven answer features to defend its market share. Microsoft has similarly ramped up its AI search initiatives.

In short, Perplexity is not a minor startup it’s a well-funded, rapidly scaling AI company with a search product that is gaining real traction. The question is whether this growth can translate into a position as dominant as Google’s.

Could Perplexity Be the Next Google?

Saying Perplexity will “be the next Google” is tantalizing but speculative. Google currently commands over 90% of global search traffic, a lead built over decades. Still, there are reasons to believe AI companies could restructure the search market. For example, regulatory actions may force changes: a U.S. court found Google’s search monopoly violated antitrust laws, and Perplexity has positioned itself as a potential replacement if Google were forced to divest parts like Chrome. By bidding for Chrome, Perplexity signaled it is ready to seize such opportunities.

However, experts caution that there likely won’t be a single “next Google.” The search landscape is fragmenting. Many users already find information on TikTok, Amazon, or other platforms instead of Google. Moreover, Google is not standing still: it’s integrating AI deeply into search (with summary cards and chat-like interfaces) to “defend its search market share”. Competing with Google’s scale is enormously difficult. Google has decades of accumulated data, an ecosystem of services (Maps, YouTube, Android, etc.), and contracts that keep it the default on many devices.

In this environment, Perplexity’s path will likely differ from Google’s. Instead of trying to be a one-size-fits-all search engine, Perplexity might excel by carving out niches:

• Conversational Q&A: Perplexity already leads in providing directly cited answers to complex queries, which can complement traditional search.
• Speed and Accuracy: Its multi-LLM approach (combining Google Gemini, GPT, Claude, etc.) could yield faster improvements in answer quality.
• Privacy and Choice: As an independent, Perplexity could market itself as a neutral alternative, especially if regulatory actions force changes at Google.
• Platform Partnerships: By pre-installing its browser or apps, Perplexity could grow its user base outside typical web routes.

Still, the obstacles are large. Even Microsoft’s Bing has struggled to displace Google despite massive investment and an AI makeover. Perplexity would need not only technological excellence but also widespread adoption and perhaps new paradigms (voice assistants, AR/VR interfaces, etc.) to seriously threaten Google.

The Future of Search

Regardless of whether Perplexity itself dethrones Google, the rise of AI search engines is reshaping how people find information. Users increasingly expect instant, conversational answers, and businesses must adapt to get “cited” by AI rather than just ranked. Search engines are becoming multi-modal and personalized, understanding context at a level far beyond old keyword matching. In this new era, innovation is rapid: features like voice assistants, image search, and internal enterprise search are all converging with AI technologies.

For consumers, this means more options. Some may prefer an AI that summarizes answers (like Perplexity or Bard), others may stick with traditional lists of links. Many will use both: perhaps doing quick fact-finding with an AI chatbot and deeper research with Google’s engine. The field is likely to remain competitive: even if one player dominates, there will be room for specialized AI tools (e.g. for legal queries, medical information, or creative inspiration).

In any case, Perplexity’s trajectory illustrates the powerful interest in AI search. Whether it becomes “the next Google” or not, it’s already influencing the market. Its aggressive moves (like the Chrome bid) and fast growth have signaled to tech giants that the rules of search are changing. As one analyst noted, getting included in AI-generated answers is quickly becoming as important as traditional SEO. That strategic redefinition may ultimately benefit users, who stand to gain richer and faster information access.

In conclusion, the rise of AI search engines, exemplified by Perplexity AI, represents a fundamental shift in how we seek knowledge online. Perplexity’s innovative design, strong backing, and bold strategies position it as a key player in this transition. While Google still leads today, the “game” of search is undoubtedly changing. Whether Perplexity itself takes Google’s crown or not, the race to build better AI-driven search tools is accelerating rapidly.