Reddit’s CEO says Google’s AI Mode ‘does not drive traffic’

Reddit CEO Steve Huffman stated that the company is not expecting Google traffic to return. During a Q3 2026 earnings call, Huffman noted that Google's AI-powered search modes do not drive traffic to the platform, mirroring challenges faced by other publishers. Reddit reported that search traffic in October decreased by more than 1 million average referrals. This shift highlights the necessity for platforms to adapt user engagement strategies amid AI-driven search changes affecting overall referral rates.