Perplexity Launches AI-Powered Shopping Assistant to Revolutionize Online Shopping
Perplexity has launched a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI)-powered shopping assistant called Buy With Pro, initially available to Perplexity Pro users in the United States. The company plans to expand this service to additional markets, aiming to transform how users shop online, according to PYMNTS.
In a blog post the company highlighted the innovation behind the new service. “It marks a big leap forward in how we serve our users — empowering seamless native actions right from an answer,” Perplexity wrote. “Shopping online just got 10x more easy and fun.”
The Buy With Pro feature allows users to both research and purchase products directly on Perplexity’s website or app. By saving their shipping and billing information in Perplexity’s portal, users can take advantage of one-click checkout for select products from specific merchants.
For items not supported by Buy With Pro, users are directed to the merchant’s website to complete their purchase. This hybrid approach ensures convenience without limiting product availability.
In addition to Buy With Pro, Perplexity offers a visual search tool called Snap to Shop. This feature enables users to find products simply by taking a photo. Unlike traditional search tools, Snap to Shop eliminates the need for detailed product descriptions or names. Instead, it displays relevant products based on the uploaded image.
The discovery experience, powered by integrations with platforms like Shopify, enhances users’ ability to find tailored, unbiased product recommendations. “When you ask Perplexity a shopping question, you’ll still get the precise, objective answers you expect, plus easy-to-read product cards showing the most relevant items, along with key details presented in a simple, visual format,” the company said.
Perplexity’s innovations come amid significant growth. On Nov. 5, it was reported that the company is raising $500 million in its fourth funding round this year, tripling its valuation from earlier in 2024. With this funding, Perplexity’s valuation is expected to reach $9 billion, a dramatic increase from its $520 million valuation at the beginning of the year.
The platform’s popularity is skyrocketing, with over 100 million weekly queries. CEO Aravind Srinivas expressed confidence in the company’s trajectory, writing on X (formerly Twitter) on Oct. 25: “Next stop: 100M+ queries every day.”
With Buy With Pro and Snap to Shop, Perplexity aims to solidify its position as a leader in AI-powered tools for seamless shopping experiences.