Elon Musk’s Grok AI Launches on Telegram, Reaching 1B+ Users

Elon Musk’s AI assistant, Grok, has officially launched on Telegram, extending its reach to over 1 billion monthly active users. The integration, announced in March 2025, marks Grok’s most significant cross-platform expansion yet—positioning it as a bold new competitor in the generative AI space.

Available to Telegram Premium subscribers, Grok brings its signature sarcasm and unfiltered responses to one of the world’s fastest-growing messaging platforms. The move expands Grok’s presence beyond X (formerly Twitter) and adds to its growing list of access points, which include a standalone app and the xAI website.

“Grok AI’s move to Telegram spices up the AI scene by supercharging Telegram with smart features,” one user posted on X.

A Strategic Expansion Beyond Musk-Owned Platforms

Grok’s integration into Telegram signals Musk’s intent to extend xAI’s reach beyond his own companies. While Grok remains a feature on X, this is the assistant’s first major cross-platform deployment, positioning it in a messaging environment built for bots and automation.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov recently confirmed the platform passed 1 billion monthly users, and Grok’s rollout arrives as Telegram continues to invest in enhanced services for its Premium tier.

Key Highlights

• Free for Premium Users: Grok is now bundled with Telegram Premium at no additional cost, boosting value for paid users.

• Real-Time Capabilities: Grok can scan X posts, fetch live web results, and assist with tasks like debugging code—all within Telegram chats.

• Competitive Edge: The move challenges AI integrations on platforms like WhatsApp and Signal by delivering smarter, context-aware chat experiences.

Rising Popularity—and Scrutiny

While Grok has drawn attention for its quick reasoning and technical capabilities, it has also stirred controversy for its bold and often political responses. Musk has previously described Grok as “scary smart,” a label that has generated buzz and concern alike.

One notable example: Grok once characterized Donald Trump as a “Putin-compromised asset” with 75–85% confidence—highlighting the assistant’s provocative tone, which has sometimes diverged from Musk’s own views.

Privacy Concerns Emerge

As with many AI rollouts, privacy and security concerns have surfaced. Some users are wary of Grok’s integration, warning of potential social engineering risks and raising questions about how much access Grok may have to user conversations.

Telegram, known for its stance on privacy, could face pressure to clarify how user data is handled with AI bots in the mix.

What This Means

The arrival of Grok on Telegram is more than a simple integration—it represents a new front in the AI platform wars. With over a billion users, Telegram gives Grok an immense audience and opens the door to use cases that go far beyond Musk’s existing ecosystem.

It also reflects Musk’s larger strategy: challenging legacy systems across industries, from cars and rockets to communications and now AI. By embedding Grok into widely used platforms, xAI aims to position itself as a major player alongside OpenAI, Google’s Gemini, and Meta’s AI tools.

The launch also hints at broader ambitions for Grok, especially as xAI reportedly targets a $75 billion valuation. Regulatory scrutiny may also play a role in shaping Grok’s future rollout. In India, the IT Ministry is already reviewing the assistant’s more controversial responses, highlighting the challenges of deploying bold, unfiltered AI at scale. For now, Grok is exclusive to Telegram Premium users—but broader availability may follow, even as its bold tone continues to draw regulatory interest in some markets.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.