AI search engine Perplexity will now purchase products for you

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