Perplexity AI Search Engine Handles 780M Queries Monthly, CEO Reveals

Perplexity processed 780 million queries in May, CEO Aravind Srinivas announced at Bloomberg’s Tech Summit on Thursday. Srinivas highlighted the AI search engine’s growth, exceeding 20% month-over-month.

“In a year, we could reach a billion queries weekly if this growth continues,” Srinivas stated. “Starting from 3,000 queries on our first day in 2022 to 30 million daily now, the progress has been remarkable.”

Srinivas emphasized that this growth trajectory could persist, particularly with the development of Perplexity’s new Comet browser.

“A browser ensures infinite retention,” he explained. “Every search bar entry, new tab page, or sidecar interaction generates additional queries per user, while also attracting those frustrated with legacy browsers like Chrome. This will drive growth in the coming year.”

Srinivas noted that Comet aims to redefine AI’s role, moving beyond answering queries to executing tasks. He described an AI-powered answer as equivalent to four or five searches, while an AI-driven action could complete an entire browsing session with a single prompt.

“Seamlessly blending client and server-side computing requires rethinking the browser entirely,” he said.

Srinivas clarified that Comet isn’t just another browser but a “cognitive operating system.”

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“Comet will be a constant companion for work or personal tasks, acting as a proactive system or handling browsing sessions,” Srinivas said. “This will transform how we interact with the internet. People no longer just browse—they live online. A proactive, personalized AI must coexist with users, requiring a complete browser overhaul.”

While details about Comet remain limited, Srinivas revealed in April that developing a proprietary browser allows Perplexity to track user activity beyond its app, enabling premium ad sales, a strategy similar to Google’s early growth.

The exact launch date for Comet is unclear, but Srinivas posted on X that it’s expected within three to five weeks.

Comet will have a native virtual meets recording, transcription and searches over them. Won’t be part of the first release, but very fast follow up. As for release date: it’s going to take a min of three weeks and a max of five weeks. Reliability and latency have improved over…

— Aravind Srinivas (@AravSrinivas) May 13, 2025