Perplexity, an AI start-up, has launched a Publishers Program to collaborate with major publishers like Time and Fortune, focusing on a usage-based revenue sharing model that benefits both parties. Co-founder Aravind Srinivasan emphasized the importance of proper attribution for publisher content and the program’s goal to create a sustainable ecosystem that values publishers’ contributions.
Perplexity, an AI start-up, has announced the launch of its Publishers Program, which aims to collaborate with major publishers such as Time, Fortune, and Entrepreneur. The co-founder and CEO, Aravind Srinivasan, emphasized the importance of working with high-quality information sources to enhance their product. The initiative has been in development for some time and is intended to create a sustainable ecosystem where publishers and Perplexity can work together effectively.
The Publishers Program features a usage-based revenue sharing model, whereby Perplexity will share advertising revenue generated from queries with its publishing partners. This approach is different from traditional content licensing, as it focuses on collaboration and ensuring that publishers benefit from the traffic driven to their content through Perplexity’s platform. This model aims to address concerns regarding the traditional “blue link economy” by creating a mutually beneficial relationship with publishers.
Srinivasan also responded to criticisms regarding the use of publisher content without proper attribution. He highlighted that Perplexity is committed to citing sources and attributing content to its original creators, including recognizing the work of journalists. This commitment to transparency is part of their effort to improve their product and foster a better relationship with publishing partners.
In addressing concerns regarding past mistakes, Srinivasan acknowledged that there were issues but emphasized that Perplexity has learned from feedback and made improvements. The goal of the Publishers Program is to establish a sustainable way to share revenue and ensure that publishers feel valued for their contributions to the platform.
Lastly, when asked about legal agreements with partnering publishers, Srinivasan clarified that the focus of the program is primarily on revenue sharing and not on the specifics of content ownership or licensing. He reiterated that Perplexity acts as an aggregator of information rather than a content creator, aiming to provide users with accurate and reliable sources while fostering a collaborative relationship with its publishing partners.