Unprecedented Growth for the AI Search Challenger
Perplexity received 780 million queries in May 2025—a figure that highlights its meteoric rise in the AI-powered search industry. Most importantly, CEO Aravind Srinivas confirmed this milestone at the Bloomberg Technology Summit, underscoring a month-over-month growth rate exceeding 20%[3][5]. As user numbers and query frequency soar, Perplexity is quickly becoming a serious contender in the search sector long dominated by tech giants.
What Is Fueling Perplexity’s Explosive Growth?
Several key factors contribute to this surge. Firstly, Perplexity’s unique approach to AI-powered search offers concise, cited answers in real time, bridging the gap between traditional search results and advanced AI responses. Because users seek direct, reliable information, Perplexity’s succinct delivery stands out in a crowded landscape.
Secondly, the introduction of innovative tools and features, such as Perplexity’s ability to generate spreadsheets, dashboards, and more, enhances its value proposition[5]. This means users are increasingly relying on Perplexity not just for search, but also for productivity and workflow automation.
AI “Coworker” and Browser Innovation
Besides that, Perplexity isn’t stopping at search. The company is pushing boundaries with new offerings like Perplexity Labs, aimed at making AI a seamless part of daily work[1]. Most notably, CEO Aravind Srinivas discussed the launch of a new browser, “Comet.” Comet is designed to integrate search, browsing, and interactive tasks within a unified interface. Therefore, users will experience what Srinivas calls “infinite retention,” as all activities — from searching to browsing and interacting — take place within one AI-powered environment[4].
Srinivas explained that while a traditional AI answer might replace four or five typical searches, an AI action in Comet could complete a full task with a single prompt. This approach not only redefines user expectations but could also set a new industry standard for productivity tools.
The Numbers Behind the Ascent
The statistics tell an impressive story:
- 780 million queries processed in May 2025
- Over 20% monthly user growth
- 30 million queries handled daily
For perspective, Perplexity started 2022 with only about 3,000 queries per day. Now, the platform processes more in a single day than it did in its entire first year[4].
What’s Next for Perplexity?
Srinivas has ambitious plans. If the growth rate persists, Perplexity could approach a billion weekly queries within the next year. The innovation behind Comet and ongoing investment in AI-driven answers suggest the company is preparing for even broader adoption and use cases[4].
Moreover, as users increasingly tire of traditional browsers and bloated search experiences, Perplexity’s streamlined, AI-centric approach is likely to resonate further. This shift could pressure incumbents like Google to rethink their models and inspire renewed competition across the search and productivity space[3].
Conclusion
Perplexity’s recent milestone is more than a statistic—it’s a signpost for the future of search and AI-driven productivity. With 780 million queries in a single month and growth showing no sign of slowing, Perplexity embodies the next wave of intelligent, integrated online experiences. As innovations like the Comet browser come to market, expect Perplexity to shape digital habits well beyond 2025.
References
- AI Models and Tools: Perplexity Labs Debuts as AI Coworker
- Perplexity hits 780M queries in May 2025 as growth surges
- Perplexity’s AI Revolution: Can It Oust Google and Deliver Investor Returns?
- Perplexity AI Search Engine CEO says it received 780 million queries
- Perplexity’s new tool can generate spreadsheets, dashboards, and more
