AI-powered search engine Perplexity is expanding its capabilities by introducing new e-commerce features that integrate product purchasing directly into search results, marking a significant step in the evolution of AI-assisted shopping experiences.
Core feature announcement: Perplexity’s new “Buy with Pro” button enables Pro subscribers in the United States to purchase products directly within the search interface.
- Users can complete purchases without leaving the search engine using saved shipping and billing information
- All purchases made through Buy with Pro include free shipping
- Products not supporting Buy with Pro redirect users to merchant websites for purchase completion
Subscription model and accessibility: The new shopping features are strategically distributed across both free and paid user tiers.
- Pro subscription costs $20 per month
- Free users retain access to updated AI shopping features including product cards with images, prices, and AI-generated summaries
- Product cards display clear indicators for Buy with Pro eligibility
Visual search capabilities: Perplexity is introducing new image-based search functionality to compete with existing visual search tools.
- “Snap to Shop” feature allows users to photograph products and ask questions about them
- The tool functions similarly to Google Lens but with integrated AI capabilities
- Initial release limits the feature to Pro subscribers
- Pro users can also perform visual searches beyond shopping
Merchant engagement: Perplexity is developing a merchant-focused program to enhance product visibility and sales insights.
- Merchants gain access to search and shopping trend analytics
- Program participation increases likelihood of product recommendations
- Currently, Perplexity does not receive commercial benefits from sales through the platform
Market implications: The integration of direct purchasing capabilities into AI search results represents a strategic move to capture e-commerce market share while maintaining revenue transparency.
- The company’s decision to forego sales commissions initially suggests a focus on user experience over immediate monetization
- This approach could position Perplexity as a more neutral shopping platform compared to commission-based competitors
- The combination of AI-powered search and direct purchasing capabilities could reshape how consumers discover and buy products online
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