What to know

  • Perplexity AI commits $42.5 million to a publisher revenue-sharing program.
  • Comet Plus subscription ties payouts to AI searches and web traffic.
  • The initiative responds to plagiarism lawsuits and rethinks media monetization.
  • Time, Fortune, and others join as early partners, with expansion planned.

Perplexity AI announced a new program on August 26, 2025, to share search revenue with publishers. With a $42.5 million fund, the initiative aims to fairly compensate content creators for their work in the AI-driven search ecosystem. Here’s how it works and why it matters.

$42.5 million fund for publisher compensation

Perplexity AI, a San Francisco-based startup, launched a revenue-sharing program on August 26, 2025, with $42.5 million allocated to pay publishers. This addresses a key issue in the media industry: AI tools using content without driving traffic or providing payment to original sources. The program ensures publishers earn when their work appears in Perplexity’s search engine or Comet browser.

Comet Plus: 80% revenue share for content use

The Comet Plus subscription, priced at $5 monthly, powers this initiative. Publishers receive about 80% of the revenue when their content is used in AI search results, human clicks, or tasks performed by Perplexity’s AI assistant. This model moves away from the declining ad-click system, which struggles as AI delivers direct answers, reducing visits to source websites.

Response to plagiarism lawsuits

The program follows lawsuits from outlets like The Wall Street Journal and Forbes, accusing Perplexity of unauthorized content use. These legal challenges highlight how AI search can bypass original sources, cutting publishers’ revenue. CEO Aravind Srinivas emphasized that publishers deserve compensation for their role in the AI ecosystem, aiming to resolve these tensions.

Direct payouts to counter “Google Zero” effect

Jessica Chan, Perplexity’s head of publisher partnerships, explained that traditional web clicks and ads are outdated as AI summarizes content instantly, a trend called “Google Zero.” The revenue-sharing model ties payments directly to content usage. Early partners include Time, Fortune, and The Texas Tribune, with Perplexity targeting 30 publishers by year-end, offering API credits and analytics tools.

Challenges and industry impact

The $42.5 million fund is significant, but some, like X user @YoungbloodJoe, argue it’s insufficient. Success depends on transparent payouts and inclusion of smaller publishers. As competitors like OpenAI and Google face similar issues, Perplexity’s model could set a new standard for how AI companies collaborate with media.

Benefits for users and journalism

Users gain access to a streamlined AI-powered browser through Comet Plus, while supporting quality journalism. By compensating publishers, Perplexity ensures better information availability. This initiative could foster a sustainable digital ecosystem where AI innovation and media thrive together.