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
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Comments (11)
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That's amazing growth! From what I've seen, Perplexity is really shaping up to be a strong contender against traditional search giants. The focus on AI-driven, conversational answers instead of just links feels like the future. Curious to see how this changes SEO and content strategies long-term. Hope they keep their focus on quality as they scale! 🚀
Jeden Monat fast 800 Millionen Anfragen? 😳 Perplexity scheint wirklich mit Google und Co. konkurrieren zu können. Aber was passiert eigentlich mit all unseren Anfragedaten? Die KI-Giganten sammeln hier eine Menge. Hoffentlich bleibt die Privatsphäre dabei nicht auf der Strecke.
Wait, 780M queries a month and 20% MoM growth??? That's an insane scale. While I love using Perplexity for research, these numbers really highlight how the search landscape is shifting. Makes you wonder how this will affect traditional ad models... or if we'll just end up switching from one walled garden to another AI-shaped one 🤔 Anyway, impressive traction for sure.
Perplexity's 780M queries a month is wild! It's like the internet's new brain, answering everything at lightning speed. Curious how it stacks up against Google in the long run. 🤔
Perplexity's hitting 780M queries a month? That's wild! It's like the internet's new favorite brain to pick. Curious how it stacks up against Google’s numbers though 🤔.

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.”
Save Now Through June 4 for TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Save $300 on your ticket to TC Sessions: AI—and get 50% off a second. Join leaders from OpenAI, Anthropic, Khosla Ventures, and others for a day of expert insights, hands-on workshops, and impactful networking. These exclusive rates end when the event begins on June 5.
Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Reserve your spot at TC Sessions: AI to showcase your innovations to over 1,200 decision-makers. Affordable exhibit tables are available through May 9 or until sold out.
“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
Warner Music acquires AI attribution startup Sureel AI
Warner Music Group (WMG) confirmed on Wednesday that it is acquiring Sureel AI, an artificial intelligence attribution startup. Sureel’s proprietary technology generates “AI DNA” for musical tracks, deconstructing them into constituent elements to tr
Microsoft, Azure and AI Tech Combat California Wildfire Risks
Microsoft invests in AI-driven wildfire detection, with Juan Lavista Ferres, CVP and Chief Data Scientist, discussing strategies to mitigate environmental damage.According to NASA, climate change impacts everyone on Earth, manifesting as rising tempe
That's amazing growth! From what I've seen, Perplexity is really shaping up to be a strong contender against traditional search giants. The focus on AI-driven, conversational answers instead of just links feels like the future. Curious to see how this changes SEO and content strategies long-term. Hope they keep their focus on quality as they scale! 🚀
Jeden Monat fast 800 Millionen Anfragen? 😳 Perplexity scheint wirklich mit Google und Co. konkurrieren zu können. Aber was passiert eigentlich mit all unseren Anfragedaten? Die KI-Giganten sammeln hier eine Menge. Hoffentlich bleibt die Privatsphäre dabei nicht auf der Strecke.
Wait, 780M queries a month and 20% MoM growth??? That's an insane scale. While I love using Perplexity for research, these numbers really highlight how the search landscape is shifting. Makes you wonder how this will affect traditional ad models... or if we'll just end up switching from one walled garden to another AI-shaped one 🤔 Anyway, impressive traction for sure.
Perplexity's 780M queries a month is wild! It's like the internet's new brain, answering everything at lightning speed. Curious how it stacks up against Google in the long run. 🤔
Perplexity's hitting 780M queries a month? That's wild! It's like the internet's new favorite brain to pick. Curious how it stacks up against Google’s numbers though 🤔.





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