TikTok could soon have a new search partner. According to a recent blog from Perplexity, an AI chatbot and search startup, it has made a formal bid to power TikTok’s search results.
Perplexity’s success and potential deal with TikTok
The startup hit 10 million monthly active users earlier this year and recently closed a $73.6 million Series B funding round. Its AI-driven search tool has quickly become a favorite among creators, journalists and students. The potential deal with TikTok could help Perplexity grow even faster. Right now, TikTok is working hard to build out its search features, with the goal of competing with Google for Gen Z users. TikTok has already become a discovery tool for many creators and their audiences. However, the platform’s search results still feel messy and inconsistent. A partnership with Perplexity could potentially change that.
The platform’s search engine
Perplexity’s AI search engine is different from standard chatbots. It provides short summaries and direct citations. According to Perplexity, it has “singularly positioned to rebuild the TikTok algorithm without creating a monopoly.”
Perplexity’s bid reportedly includes API integrations that would power TikTok’s search results directly. Neither TikTok nor Perplexity has confirmed any deal yet.
If this partnership happens, it would make sense for both sides. TikTok needs better search, and Perplexity needs distribution. For creators, this could be a game-changer. TikTok’s search becoming more reliable could help creators get discovered through informative content and answer-based videos.
Other search providers are likely in the mix too. Google and Microsoft have both been building AI search tools. But Perplexity’s focus on citations and transparency could help it stand out in a crowded field.