Perplexity Launches Comet Plus With Publisher Revenue Sharing
Perplexity has launched a new subscription tier for its agentic AI browser, Comet, called Comet Plus. This plan introduces a revenue-sharing model designed to support publishers whose content fuels AI-generated search results. The initiative aims to balance innovation with fair compensation for digital content providers.
Under the new system, publishers can earn money in three ways: when their links appear in Comet’s AI-driven search results, when users click through to their sites, and when Comet’s AI agent utilizes their content to complete tasks. Perplexity has committed $42.5 million to a fund supporting this program. Revenue will be shared on an 80-20 split, with the majority directed to publishers.
Balancing AI Growth With Publisher Needs
This development positions Perplexity among the first AI companies to formally introduce a structured revenue model for publishers tied directly to AI search and agentic browsing. The approach mirrors established content partnerships, such as Apple’s method with Apple News+, but brings it into the AI-driven browsing era.
While competitors like Meta, Google, and OpenAI have focused on licensing and distribution deals, Perplexity is moving toward a transparent model where publishers benefit from ongoing traffic and task-based content use. The initiative arrives at a time when many media outlets are concerned that AI-powered search tools could reduce traditional web traffic and advertising revenue.
What Comet Plus Offers to Users
Comet Plus is priced at $5 per month and is initially available to Pro subscribers in the United States. The company has confirmed that the service will roll out to all Pro users in the coming weeks. Subscribers will gain access to a curated selection of articles from publishers participating in the program.
Perplexity has previously collaborated with major outlets such as Time, the Los Angeles Times, and Fortune through ad revenue agreements. However, ongoing legal disputes highlight the tension between AI firms and publishers regarding copyright and content use. Despite these challenges, Perplexity continues to expand its AI search ecosystem, recently raising $100 million at an $18 billion valuation.
