Feature Request
I would like to propose adding a ‘Chat Mode’ toggle to Perplexity that provides natural, conversational outputs similar to ChatGPT’s dialogue-heavy responses, rather than the current search-focused format.
Problem Statement
Currently, Perplexity excels at search-based responses with citations and factual information, but some users desire a more conversational, natural dialogue experience for certain use cases. Users who want ChatGPT-like conversational interactions need to switch between platforms, creating friction in their workflow.
Proposed Solution
Add a ‘Chat Mode’ toggle (similar to the existing Deep Research and Labs toggles) that would:
• Provide natural, dialogue-heavy responses with longer conversational context
• Focus on conversational flow rather than search results and citations
• Maintain conversation context across multiple exchanges
• Allow users to switch between search mode and chat mode seamlessly
This would complement Perplexity’s existing search capabilities while offering users who prefer ChatGPT-style interactions an alternative experience within the same platform.
API Impact
• Would affect chat completions API component
• Could introduce a new ‘chat_mode’ parameter alongside existing toggles
• May require adjustments to response formatting and context handling
• Would expand UX options similar to how Deep Research and Labs currently function
Alternatives Considered
Currently, users must switch to other platforms like ChatGPT for conversational experiences, then return to Perplexity for search-based queries. This creates workflow interruption and prevents users from having all their AI interactions in one platform.
Additional Context
Perplexity already demonstrates excellent UX flexibility with Deep Research and Labs toggles. Adding a Chat Mode toggle would:
• Expand user options and accommodate different interaction preferences
• Potentially retain users who might otherwise switch to conversational AI platforms
• Leverage Perplexity’s existing infrastructure while offering a differentiated experience
• Appeal to users who want natural conversation without always needing web search integration
This feature would make Perplexity a more comprehensive AI platform that can serve both search-focused and conversation-focused use cases.