Reddit Tests AI Search That Turns Conversations Into Shopping Results

Reddit is testing a new AI driven search feature that connects user discussions with product recommendations and purchase options. Early access is limited to a small group of users in the United States.

Good to Know

• Test results include product carousels with images, pricing, and retail links.
• Recommendations are based on items mentioned in posts and comments.
• Rollout follows the launch of Dynamic Product Ads introduced last year.

Community Discussions Begin Feeding Product Discovery at Reddit

Search queries such as best noise canceling headphones or gift ideas for a college student may now generate a product carousel at the bottom of results for participants in the pilot. Listings highlight items referenced within related conversations, turning community input into structured shopping suggestions.

Selecting a product opens additional details before directing users to an external retailer for purchase. Approach blends forum style advice with commercial functionality while keeping discussion context visible.

Company leadership has been expanding commerce tools alongside advertising products. Dynamic Product Ads already deliver personalized recommendations tied to user interests, and the new search layer extends that model by pairing intent driven queries with items surfaced from community threads.

Reddit said:

“This feature surfaces top-recommended products directly from discussions, giving redditors instant information about any product. This test is designed to make Reddit easier to navigate while keeping community perspectives at the center of the experience. We’ll continue learning from how people use this new feature and refine the experience over time.”

Other technology platforms have pursued similar directions. Social media services such as TikTok and Instagram integrated in app shopping years ago, while AI led commerce has expanded more recently. ChatGPT introduced an Instant Checkout capability in September that enables purchases from Etsy and Shopify within conversations, reflecting a wider shift toward combining search, recommendations, and transactions.

FAQ

What is Reddit testing?

An AI powered search feature that connects community recommendations to product listings and retailer links.

Who can see the new feature?

A limited group of users in the United States during the testing phase.

How are products selected?

Items are pulled from discussions where users already mentioned or reviewed them.

Does Reddit handle the purchase directly?

No. Users are redirected to partner retailers to complete transactions.

Why is Reddit adding shopping features?

Strategy aims to combine discussion driven discovery with advertising and commerce tools already introduced on the platform.