Reddit Wants More Users and More Money from Google for AI Data
So, Reddit's upping the ante in its data-sharing agreement with Google. They want more than just cash; they're aiming for a deal that actually helps them grow. Apparently, after an initial agreement worth around $60 million annually, Reddit feels it's time to renegotiate, aiming for a bigger slice of the AI pie. It makes sense, considering how much AI models rely on Reddit's content.
Reddit wants Google to drive users back to its platform. The idea is that if Google pulls answers from Reddit for its AI, it should also encourage users to contribute back. In other words, it is like, "Hey, you're using our stuff, now help us get more people to create more stuff!" I think it's a valid point. After all, who's going to post on Reddit if Google's AI just scoops up all the answers?
But it's not just about user numbers. Reddit's also eyeing a dynamic pricing model for its data. The more valuable their content is to AI tools, the more they want to get paid. They believe they're not currently being compensated fairly for the value they provide. And honestly, when you think about the sheer amount of human-generated, well-organized content on Reddit, it's hard to argue with them.
What makes Reddit's data so valuable? Well, unlike a lot of the internet, Reddit posts are often real, candid, and organized by topic. Plus, there's a built-in voting system that filters out a lot of the garbage. That is why adding "reddit" to your search queries often gives you a better result; at least, I find that it happens to me. No surprise, then, that data indicates Reddit is a top source for AI tools.
This whole situation highlights a really tricky situation. Platforms like Reddit have the data that AI companies desperately need, but the rise of AI could ultimately hurt the very platforms that provide that data. I think Reddit's approach is a smart one: demand not just money, but also ways to sustain and grow their user base. It's a new chapter in the content-AI relationship.
Source: The Verge