Taboola Launches AI Chatbot DeeperDive on USA Today

Taboola, a company recognized for its content recommendation services, has introduced an AI chatbot named “DeeperDive.” This innovative tool is currently in beta and is set to launch on USA Today and The Independent”>USA Today, where it will assist readers by answering their questions using information sourced from trusted journalists.

A demonstration available on Taboola’s website showcases a search bar at the top of USA Today’s homepage. This feature automatically generates prompts such as “How is the UK government addressing the cost of living crisis in 2025?” and “What are the environmental implications of the latest oil drilling projects in the North Sea?” This functionality aims to enhance user engagement by providing immediate access to relevant information.

In addition to delivering AI-generated responses, DeeperDive will also present related articles from USA Today, followed by a sponsored link. According to Taboola’s announcement, this feature allows publishers to integrate “contextually relevant, high-intent ads directly into the AI-powered results page.” Furthermore, readers have the option to highlight specific portions of an article and pose questions about that content using DeeperDive.

Initially, the AI chatbot will only be accessible on a limited basis while its performance is evaluated for quality assurance. The Verge reached out to Taboola for further details regarding the number of Independent readers who will have access to DeeperDive, but did not receive an immediate response.

This initiative marks another step in USA Today’s publisher Gannett’s exploration of AI technology. In 2023, Gannett faced backlash from both reporters and readers, leading to a pause in its AI initiatives. The company had previously incorporated what appeared to be AI-generated articles into its Reviewed site, which has since undergone changes under new ownership. Additionally, USA Today has implemented various AI features that enhance the reader experience, including those that appear at the top of articles.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, the introduction of AI tools like DeeperDive reflects a growing trend among publishers to leverage technology for improved reader engagement and content delivery.