Simran Bharti
Content Manager
Search is shifting — and fast.
For years, finding SaaS tools meant googling “Best Industry tool” or “Best SaaS alternatives,” scanning listicles, and checking review platforms like G2 or Capterra.
Now discovery works differently. Instead of sorting through multiple Google results, many users turn directly to Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity. You type a user’s question, and instantly get an answer.
But the search results themselves have also changed. Before 2024, Google’s top spots went mostly to blog posts and review sites. Today, with Google confirming that the algorithm favors UGC platforms, Reddit dominates — especially for high-intent SaaS queries. This has made Reddit SEO an unexpected factor in brand visibility and even brand sentiment.
Are LLMs Learning From Reddit’s Content?
This raises important questions:
- Are LLMs sourcing Reddit threads, top-ranking blog posts, and other trusted sources from their training data?
- If Reddit mentions are everywhere in search engines, do they shape LLM responses?
- Can SaaS companies improve their Reddit presence to appear in AI answers?
We tested it.
You might be interested: Structuring Web Pages for AI-First Indexing
The Experiment: Reddit vs. LLMs
We chose dozens of high-intent SaaS “alternatives” keywords where Reddit ranks in Google’s top five.
Examples:
- “Trello alternatives”
- “Zapier alternatives”
- “Slack alternatives”
From each, we analyzed reddit discussions in relevant subreddits and pulled the tools mentioned in reddit posts. This gave us a dataset of which tools niche communities recommend.
We then asked four leading AI models — ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini — for their recommendations. Each model produced unique lists.
Finally, we compared them to see:
- Which tools from Reddit threads appeared in LLM responses
- Which ones were absent
- How much Reddit SEO overlaps with LLM optimization
The Results: Overlap, Misses, and Surprises
Reddit–LLM Overlap (%):
| LLM | Overlap |
|---|---|
| Perplexity | 38.96% |
| Gemini | 38.27% |
| ChatGPT | 33.46% |
| Claude | 30.86% |
Perplexity showed the strongest influence from Reddit’s content, followed closely by Gemini.
Related: 10 Content Formats That Get Picked Up by LLMs
Tools everyone mentions
Highly visible tools like Notion, Trello, Slack, Airtable, and ClickUp appeared in both Reddit threads and AI-generated answers. Their constant brand mentions and positive brand sentiment keep them in relevant discussions across platforms.
Tools Reddit loves but LLMs ignore
Some tools dominate Reddit discussions but never appear in AI-generated responses: Nimbus Note, Missive, RemNote, MirrorFly, Campsite, Jandi, Breakroom. These cases show how brand visibility on Reddit doesn’t always influence LLMs directly — especially if posts are buried or lack links Google can access.
Lesser-known wins
Tools like Chanty, Missive, Zulip, and Twist — though niche — appeared in both Reddit mentions and LLM responses, suggesting influence LLMs pick up on relevant discussions when brand accounts and community activity are strong.
Read also: From Blog Posts to Answers: Repurposing for AI Assistants
Why Reddit matters for LLM optimization
Reddit ranks in Google’s top 5 for 76% of high-intent SaaS searches. That visibility means AI engines and search engines likely pull context from Reddit’s content during training data collection or AI generated search results processing.
This makes Reddit an indirect but powerful factor in LLM optimization. Being active in relevant subreddits, answering users’ questions with helpful answers, and building brand accounts that share quality insights can boost brand sentiment and influence how ai models respond.
What SaaS brands should do
To appear in both google results and AI-generated answers:
- Engage in Reddit SEO — Participate in high-ranking reddit threads with authentic, non-promotional content.
- Track brand sentiment — Monitor reddit mentions and brand mentions to understand community perception.
- Use multiple platforms — Don’t rely solely on Reddit; other platforms still shape LLM responses.
- Create valuable content — Ai generated answers often favor sources that offer helpful answers with strong context.
Learn more: Do G2 and Capterra Reviews Influence ChatGPT Rankings? [2025 Research]
The Bottom Line
Reddit plays a growing role in shaping AI answers, but success means balancing search visibility, brand mentions, and LLM optimization.
If your company wants to influence LLMs, you need to build brand visibility across forums, platforms, and conversations. By combining Reddit SEO, consistent brand accounts engagement, and strategic LLM optimization, you can increase your brand presence in both human and AI-generated search results.
