Brave reports 29% user growth and 56% search rise — privacy browser pushes ad business

Context

Brave Browser and Search Engine says its user numbers rose 29% and search volumes jumped 56% in 2026, alongside new advertising clients in retail, travel and finance. The company is also expanding its ad offering with AI-powered search and shopping features, positioning a privacy-first alternative in a market dominated by surveillance-based targeting. Marketers evaluating privacy-compliant reach beyond the big platforms should note the growth, though the figures are company-reported and unaudited.