Perplexity
An AI-powered search engine that provides direct answers with cited sources instead of link lists.
Definition
Perplexity AI is a conversational search engine that synthesizes information from across the web into direct, sourced answers. Rather than returning links for users to click, Perplexity reads sources, extracts relevant information, and presents comprehensive responses with citations.
It combines large language models with real-time web search, representing a new paradigm for information discovery that threatens traditional search engines.
Why It Matters
Perplexity exemplifies how AI is reshaping search—users increasingly want answers, not links. This shift has massive implications for SEO, content strategy, and how brands achieve visibility.
Understanding AI search engines is essential for adapting marketing strategies to changing discovery patterns.
Examples in Practice
A researcher uses Perplexity to quickly synthesize information from dozens of sources on a new topic, getting a comprehensive overview in minutes rather than hours.
A marketer discovers their brand being cited in Perplexity answers, prompting a shift toward creating authoritative, citable content optimized for AI search.