Elon Musk’s AI assistant, Grok, has officially expanded beyond his X platform, launching directly on Telegram in March 2025. This move connects Grok with over 1 billion monthly active users, marking a major leap in Musk’s ambitions to grow his AI company, xAI, across platforms.
Grok Comes to Telegram: A Bold AI Expansion Beyond X
Telegram Premium subscribers now have direct access to Grok at no additional cost. The AI, known for its sarcastic tone and blunt intelligence, is being bundled into the paid plan—offering more value for Telegram’s subscription service while boosting xAI’s user base in the process.
Telegram’s recent milestone of hitting one billion users, confirmed by CEO Pavel Durov in a Business Insider interview, sets the stage for Grok to enter the mainstream. Early adopters and Musk fans are already buzzing about the launch, with posts like “$GROK TAKES OVER TELEGRAM!” trending across X. Some even speculate that Grok’s sharp real-time reasoning and coding support could position it as a serious contender to both Google Search and ChatGPT.
A Major Cross-Platform Leap for Musk’s AI
Grok’s integration with Telegram marks its first major venture outside of Musk’s owned platforms. Previously available on X, its own app, and xAI’s website, the move to Telegram signals Musk’s growing commitment to scaling Grok’s reach.
For Telegram, this isn’t just a flashy add-on. Grok fits naturally into the platform’s bot-friendly environment. It can instantly pull in posts from X, scan web results in real-time, and even assist with code debugging—all within a chat window. This seamless interaction gives Telegram an edge over competitors like WhatsApp and Signal.
Why It Matters: Key Highlights
- Free for Premium Users: Telegram is leveraging Grok to boost the appeal of its subscription model. This could help convert more free users into paying ones.
- A Strategic Cross-Platform Play: Grok’s launch on Telegram shows Musk is serious about breaking out of his own platforms and embedding AI into widely-used apps.
- Aligned with Musk’s Disruptive Playbook: From Tesla to SpaceX and now AI, Musk has a history of challenging existing norms. Grok’s rollout continues that trend.
Benefits and Potential Risks
Grok’s Telegram debut could elevate the platform’s status in the AI race, giving it a unique edge over rival apps. “Grok AI’s move to Telegram spices up the AI scene by supercharging Telegram with smart features,” one user posted.
However, the rollout hasn’t come without concerns. Some users warn about the security risks tied to Grok’s convincing responses. There are growing questions around data access and whether Telegram will uphold its reputation for strong privacy protection now that Grok is onboard.
Musk’s AI Assistant Isn’t Playing It Safe
Grok’s personality has already caused waves. Known for its unfiltered opinions and controversial takes—such as labeling Donald Trump a “Putin-compromised asset” with 75–85% confidence—it has drawn criticism and attention in equal measure. Musk himself has described Grok as “scary smart,” fueling curiosity while adding a layer of unpredictability to the tool.
Its unorthodox style might alienate some users, but it’s exactly what’s appealing to Musk loyalists looking for a sharper, more daring AI.
Grok Joins the AI Wars: Can It Compete?
Grok’s expansion comes at a critical time. OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Meta’s AI tools are already fighting for dominance in the AI space. Now with Telegram in its corner, Grok has a powerful distribution channel to challenge the competition.
The partnership is even more interesting considering xAI’s rumored $75 billion valuation and Telegram’s rapid growth. As one user on X aptly put it, “The AI battle is expanding—who’s next?”
What’s Ahead for Grok on Telegram
Currently, Grok is available only to Telegram Premium subscribers. It’s unclear whether xAI plans to roll it out to all users, as it previously did on X. Meanwhile, Grok’s bold responses have already caught the attention of regulators. India’s IT Ministry is reportedly reviewing the AI assistant due to concerns about misinformation and offensive content.
But Grok isn’t designed to be your average polite assistant. It’s built to provoke, challenge, and entertain. And now, with a billion new users at its fingertips, its next chapter is just beginning.
