What it does
Perplexity functions as a conversational AI-powered answer engine. Instead of just providing a list of links like a traditional search engine, it synthesizes information from multiple sources to deliver a direct, cohesive answer to a user's query. It supports input via text, voice, and even images, positioning itself as a comprehensive tool for research and curiosity.
Where it shines
Perplexity excels at building user trust, a critical factor for any AI information tool. After a search for "what is ui design and ux design," the app presents a clean, readable summary interspersed with small, numbered citations. At 01:45, the user taps the "Sources" button, revealing a clear list of the articles the AI used. This transparency allows users to verify information and explore topics more deeply. Another standout moment is the multi-modal search. At 05:35, the user uploads a photo of a fish and asks "What kind of fish is this?", receiving a detailed, feature-based identification. This flexibility makes the app incredibly versatile.
UX highlights
- Structured, digestible answers: Results are broken down into paragraphs with clear formatting, unlike a single block of text. This is visible in the UI/UX design search at 01:07.
- Multi-modal input: The search bar is more than just a text field. A plus icon allows for image uploads, and a microphone icon enables voice search (03:47), making it adaptable to various contexts.
- Guided discovery: Below each answer, the app suggests relevant follow-up questions (02:29). This encourages a continuous research journey and helps users explore topics without formulating new queries from scratch.
- 'Spaces' for organization: The ability to create 'Spaces' (07:53) allows users to organize their search threads by topic, turning the app from a simple Q&A tool into a lightweight research hub.
- Source transparency: Every answer is backed by an accessible list of sources, building credibility and allowing for further reading.
- In-app browser: Tapping a source link (01:52) opens the webpage within the app, keeping the user's journey contained and focused.
Monetization & growth
Monetization is introduced very early. Immediately after a quick email sign-up, the user encounters a paywall at 00:28. It presents three tiers: Free, Pro, and Max. The Pro plan is highlighted by default, with benefits like unlimited uploads and access to advanced AI models clearly listed. A discount for the annual plan is also shown to incentivize a longer commitment. While there is no free trial offered, the presence of a 'Free' option acts as a soft paywall, allowing users to experience the core product before committing. Throughout the app, features that require a subscription are likely marked with a 'Pro' badge, serving as persistent upgrade prompts.
Who it’s for
Perplexity is built for anyone who needs reliable, synthesized answers quickly. This includes students, researchers, journalists, and professionals who need to get up to speed on topics efficiently. Its transparent sourcing makes it more trustworthy than other chatbot-style AIs for serious research. It's also for the perpetually curious individual who prefers a direct answer over browsing through multiple search result pages. The multi-modal input also makes it useful for on-the-go queries and visual identification tasks.
Notes & opportunities
While generally polished, the voice recognition faltered during the test, misinterpreting "What is UI design?" as "What is you I design?" (05:01). Improving the accuracy here would enhance the voice experience. The immediate, mandatory paywall after sign-up could be a point of friction for new users; testing a delay until after the first successful search might improve initial retention. Finally, the distinction and value proposition between 'Pro' and the much more expensive 'Max' plan ($200/month at 00:35) could be made clearer on the paywall.