Reddit becomes top AI data source for 2025, outpacing Google and Wikipedia

Reddit Leads as Top AI Information Source in 2025, Surpassing Google and Wikipedia

Reddit has claimed the top spot as the primary knowledge source for large language models (LLMs) in 2025, according to new data from Semrush. Analyzing 150,000 citations across 5,000 keywords, the report reveals that 40.1% of AI-generated responses reference Reddit, outpacing platforms like Google and Wikipedia.

Wikipedia follows with 26.3% of citations, while YouTube and Google search results hold 23.5% and 23.3% respectively. Other notable sources in the top 10 include Yelp (21%), Facebook (20%), and Amazon (18.7%). Travel and mapping platforms such as TripAdvisor (12.5%), Mapbox (11.3%), and OpenStreetMap (11.3%) also contribute significantly.

Why Reddit’s Influence is Growing

This surge aligns with Reddit’s $60 million API licensing agreement with Google in 2024, granting AI systems extensive access to its vast collection of user-generated discussions. By Q1 2025, Reddit reached 108 million daily active users worldwide, reinforcing its position as a powerhouse for real-time conversations and diverse viewpoints.

AI tools and chatbots increasingly draw on Reddit threads for context, answers, and recommendations, shifting how information is sourced and presented. This marks a move away from traditional search results toward AI-curated, conversational responses.

Marketing Implications

• Visibility on Reddit is strategic: For marketers, presence on Reddit goes beyond community interaction. It’s about becoming a trusted source within the AI knowledge stream that shapes consumer insights and decision-making.
• Content quality and authenticity matter: As AI relies heavily on user-generated content, maintaining credible, high-value discussions can influence AI outputs and brand perception.
• Privacy and data concerns: The growing use of platforms like Reddit in AI raises questions around data usage and confidentiality, making transparency essential in marketing strategies.

Marketers aiming to stay ahead should consider how their brand content and engagement fit into this new AI information ecosystem. Leveraging Reddit’s active user base and vast discussions can provide deeper insights and enhance AI-driven campaigns.

For those interested in sharpening AI skills and understanding these shifts further, exploring specialized courses on AI applications in marketing can be valuable. Check out Complete AI Training’s marketing-focused AI courses for practical guidance.