{
  "id": 18024511,
  "title": "Reddit is testing in-app search ads as traffic from Google declines",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/reddit-is-testing-in-app-search-ads-as-traffic-from-google-declines",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-03T21:27:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Engadget",
    "slug": "engadget",
    "url": "https://www.engadget.com/2305984/reddit-is-testing-search-ads-as-traffic-from-google-declines/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Reddit is conducting tests for in-app search advertisements as its traffic from Google declines. The company aims to assist advertisers in reaching users with high purchase intent through these ads. Reddit plans to introduce ads in its search results to capitalize on the high purchase intent of users who seek advice on buying decisions. In their blog post, Reddit announced that the ads would be based on contextual relevance and other factors. For instance, a search for 'espresso station' could display ads for coffee-related items such as mugs, beans, or espresso machines. The number of ad appearances is yet to be determined, but screenshots revealed the ads near the top of search results. Initially, a limited group of advertisers will have access to this new ad format, with potential expansion in the future. Reddit will monitor user responses to these ads during the test to refine the experience for both users and advertisers. This move comes amid a broader shift, including restricting logged-out users from most of the platform's content. Reddit's CEO, Steve Huffman, stated that the platform's reliance on Google's AI has caused significant declines in search traffic. By transitioning to a logged-in-only model, Reddit aims to enhance ad targeting. These changes highlight Reddit's need to adapt its features in response to AI's impact on its business. The company has already restricted access to its developer platform and Old Reddit to combat scraping. Soon, most of its content will be inaccessible to users not logged into an account. Huffman emphasized that Reddit is the only platform that hasn't made this change, and this shift meets the evolving needs of the time.",
  "summary": "The company wants to help advertisers reach users who show a \"high purchase\" intent.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "TechCrunch",
        "title": "Reddit tests ads in search results as traffic declines and growth concerns mount",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/reddit-tests-ads-in-search-results-as-traffic-declines-and-growth",
        "published": "2026-11-03T19:24:37.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}