After taking the tech world by storm with its conversational, search-focused AI, Perplexity is now heading to where billions of users already are—WhatsApp. The popular AI-powered answer engine has officially launched a chatbot on the messaging app, making it easier than ever for users to access instant answers without opening a browser or switching apps.
The move signals Perplexity’s latest step towards becoming a household name, rivalling more established players like ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. But instead of trying to replace your traditional search engine outright, Perplexity has chosen a different path: embedding itself directly into the everyday tools people already use.
What Does the WhatsApp Bot Do?
Think of Perplexity’s chatbot as your know-it-all friend—minus the ego. Once you’ve started chatting with it on WhatsApp, you can ask it anything: from “What’s the best time to visit Japan?” to “Explain quantum computing like I’m 12.” The bot responds with clear, conversational summaries, often citing sources so you know it’s not just making things up.
It’s not limited to just questions, either. The bot can help you summarise articles, understand complex topics, and even offer recommendations—be it books, gadgets, or weekend getaways. For students, professionals, or just the plain curious, this could be a major time-saver.
The best part? It’s free to use—at least for now.
How to Use It
To get started, all users have to do is head to Perplexity’s WhatsApp link and send a simple “Hi.” That kicks off the chat, and from there, it works just like talking to a friend. There’s no need to download a separate app, and no account setup required.
Of course, you’ll still need an internet connection, but the frictionless setup is part of what makes this rollout so clever. It removes the barriers for less tech-savvy users who might be overwhelmed by complex AI platforms or app stores full of lookalike tools.
Why This Matters
Perplexity’s entry into WhatsApp isn’t just about convenience—it’s also a strategic play. WhatsApp has more than two billion users globally, and in markets like India, it’s often the primary digital interface for millions. By launching on WhatsApp, Perplexity is essentially meeting users where they already are, rather than asking them to come to it.
And while OpenAI and Google might be dominating AI headlines, Perplexity is carving out a niche by being helpful, fast, and deeply integrated into daily habits.
With this launch, AI isn’t something you have to visit—it’s something that visits you.
