Sou Hu Cai Jing·2025-08-28 10:07Core Insights - The rise of AI search engines has become a focal point for major internet companies in China, with significant investments and product launches since the popularity of ChatGPT in late 2022 [1][3] - The AI search engine market has seen a substantial increase in active users, reaching 685 million monthly active users, with in-app AI plugins leading the growth at a compound annual growth rate of 74.5% in the first half of 2023 [1][3] - Companies like Tencent, Weibo, and Alibaba are reporting strong performance in their AI search initiatives, indicating a positive trend in user engagement and revenue growth [2][8] AI Search Market Dynamics - The competition in the AI search engine sector is intensifying, with various companies launching independent AI search products or integrating AI features into existing applications [1][3] - The top three applications in terms of user growth and engagement are QQ Browser's Qbot, Weibo's Smart Search, and Baidu Input Method, showcasing the effectiveness of AI-driven search solutions [3][4] User Engagement Metrics - QQ Browser's Qbot achieved a remarkable compound growth rate of 255.2% in June 2025, while Weibo's Smart Search and Baidu Input Method recorded growth rates of 41.7% and 14.3%, respectively [3][4] - In terms of average monthly usage, Quark's AI search led with 64.9 times per user, followed by Weibo's Smart Search at 36.6 times and Tencent News at 24.2 times [5][6] Financial Performance - Weibo reported a total revenue of $444.8 million and an adjusted operating profit of $161.8 million for Q2 2025, exceeding Wall Street expectations and leading to a significant increase in stock price [8] - The growth in user engagement with Weibo's Smart Search is expected to contribute positively to the company's performance in upcoming quarters, particularly during peak seasons [8] AI Search Features and Innovations - Weibo's Smart Search has introduced features like "Smart Search Analysis" and "Smart Search Follow-up," enhancing user experience and engagement [7][10] - The integration of AI search capabilities allows for more precise information retrieval, moving away from traditional search methods that often present redundant information [9][11] Future Prospects - Weibo's management indicated a focus on expanding user base before pursuing monetization strategies for Smart Search, with potential commercial tests planned for Q4 2025 [18] - The evolution of AI search is expected to lead to a new paradigm where search and service integration becomes a standard, as seen with Tencent's WeChat [18]