Reddit Tests AI-Powered Shopping Search Feature

New tool surfaces top-recommended products from community discussions

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Reddit is testing a new AI-powered search feature that displays interactive product carousels with pricing, images, and direct purchase links based on community recommendations. The feature is currently being tested with a small group of U.S. users and is part of Reddit's broader push to integrate e-commerce capabilities into its platform.

Why it matters

This move reflects Reddit's strategy to leverage its community-driven platform to drive e-commerce, following in the footsteps of other social media platforms that have integrated shopping features. It also highlights the growing trend of AI-powered shopping assistants, as seen with OpenAI's recent 'Instant Checkout' feature.

The details

When users in the test group search for product-related queries, they will see a carousel of relevant products at the bottom of the search results. These products will be directly mentioned and recommended by users in related Reddit discussions and comments. Tapping on a product will show more details and provide a direct link to purchase from the retailer.

  • Reddit announced the new AI search feature on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • The feature is currently being tested with a small group of users in the U.S.

The players

Reddit

A social media platform known for its community-driven discussions and content.

Steve Huffman

The CEO of Reddit, who stated that the platform's AI search engine could be a significant opportunity for the business.

OpenAI

An artificial intelligence research company that recently launched an 'Instant Checkout' feature allowing users to make purchases within conversations.

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What they’re saying

“Weekly active users for search grew 30% over the past year, increasing from 60 million to 80 million, while weekly active users for the AI-powered Reddit Answers feature rose from 1 million in the first quarter of 2025 to 15 million by the fourth quarter.”

— Steve Huffman, CEO, Reddit (Reddit earnings release)

What’s next

Reddit plans to continue monitoring user feedback and refining the AI-powered shopping search feature based on how people use it.

The takeaway

Reddit's move to integrate AI-driven shopping capabilities into its community-focused platform reflects the growing trend of social media companies leveraging technology to drive e-commerce and provide more seamless shopping experiences for users.