AI startup Perplexity is rolling out a significant shift in how it compensates news publishers. With the launch of its new subscription service, Comet Plus, scheduled for fall 2025, Perplexity will dedicate 80% of its subscription revenue to publishers whose articles are used to generate answers for users. The company has earmarked $42.5 million in an initial revenue pool, with the intention to increase the amount over time
Why This Matters Now
This move addresses growing frustration among publishers, who argue that AI platforms often repurpose their content without compensation and reduce website traffic. Perplexity’s initiative aims to create a fairer model where publishers benefit directly when their content fuels user queries—turning AI reliance into a revenue stream rather than a loss
Key Details
- Revenue Source: The funds come from subscription fees tied to Comet Plus, Perplexity’s new paid tier.
- Publisher Share: Publishers will receive 80% of all Comet Plus revenue, including usage from premium tiers The Wall Street Journal
- Initial Budget: The effort is kickstarted with a $42.5 million allocation, indicating a serious commitment to compensating content creators
What It Means for Publishers & the AI Ecosystem
- Monetization for Newsrooms: This provides publishers with a direct income stream tied to AI usage, rather than relying solely on web traffic or licensing deals.
- Industry Pressure: Perplexity’s model may spur competitors to rethink how publishers are compensated, especially amid increasing legal battles over copyright infringement.
- Sustainable AI Growth: A fair revenue-sharing model helps sustain journalistic output, ensuring AI continues to have reliable and diverse source material.
At a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Timing | Fall 2025 (Comet Plus debut) |
| Publisher Revenue | 80% of subscription revenue |
| Initial Allocation | $42.5 million planned for distribution |
| Objective | Fair compensation for content used in AI responses |
Final Thought
Perplexity’s revenue-sharing model—with an ambitious 80% split for publishers—could redefine AI-powered search partnerships. By tying content use directly to financial rewards, the company aims to bridge tension with media outlets while promoting a sustainable path forward for AI-generated answers.
