Telegram just made a massive move in the AI space, and it’s got Elon Musk’s fingerprints all over it.
The chat app has officially teamed up with Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, to roll out its chatbot, Grok, across the Telegram platform.
This isn’t just a test run or a small trial.
The deal is worth a whopping $300 million, split between cash and equity.
In simple terms? xAI is paying big money to make Grok part of your Telegram experience for at least a year.
What Telegram Users Can Expect from Grok
So what does this mean for the millions who use Telegram every day?
Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, says Grok won’t just be buried somewhere deep in the app. Instead, it’s getting a front-row seat:
- You’ll be able to pin Grok to the top of your chats.
- You can ask Grok questions directly from the search bar.
- And yes, it’ll be available not just to Premium users, everyone might get a taste.
That’s right. Grok could soon become as familiar as your keyboard or your emoji list.
What Can Grok Actually Do?
Grok isn’t just a chatbot that answers basic questions.
It’s being positioned as a multi-tasking assistant for everyday use.
Here’s what Grok will help with:
| Feature | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Writing Help | Need to write a message, post, or reply? Grok’s got your back. |
| Summarizing | Long chats, links, or documents? Grok can break it down. |
| Business Support | It can answer questions from customers and help manage chat flow. |
| Moderation | Grok can step in to help clean up spam or off-topic content. |
| Sticker Creation | Feeling creative? Use Grok to whip up new stickers in seconds. |
What’s In It for Telegram?
Telegram isn’t just getting a flat fee for helping Grok go mainstream.
In fact, it’s a 50/50 split.
For every subscription to xAI’s Grok service purchased through Telegram, the company earns half the revenue.
That’s a bold monetization strategy, and a smart one too. Telegram gets paid up front and on the backend.
Think of it like this: Telegram gets paid to open the door, and then again every time someone walks through it.
Following in Meta’s Footsteps?
If some of this sounds familiar, you’re not wrong.
Meta has already added its own Meta AI into the search bars on apps like Instagram and WhatsApp.
Telegram’s Grok integration is a similar play, but with a unique twist.
Unlike Meta’s in-house AI, Grok comes from xAI, an independent company founded by Elon Musk, aiming to compete with OpenAI and Google in the AI race.
Telegram might just be giving Grok the perfect launchpad.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just about Telegram adding a chatbot.
It’s about:
- Monetization: Telegram has long been looking for ways to make money without loading the app with ads.
- User Experience: Grok could make messaging smoother, smarter, and more helpful.
- The AI Wars: It’s yet another sign that big messaging platforms are becoming key players in the battle over AI dominance.
And with $300 million on the table, this partnership shows just how high the stakes are.
Will Grok Stick Around?
For now, the deal lasts one year.
But if things go well, meaning Grok is widely used and subscriptions grow, don’t be surprised if it becomes a permanent part of the Telegram ecosystem.
And remember, this is just the beginning. We could soon see:
- More Telegram apps using Grok for automation
- Bots powered by Grok popping up in channels and groups
- Entire workflows handled through AI right inside Telegram
Final Thoughts
If you use Telegram, you’re about to see your messages, and your experience, get a whole lot smarter.
With Grok in the mix, you can expect:
- Faster replies
- Smarter suggestions
- Easier chat management
And with Telegram cashing in on both ends of the deal, it’s a win for them too.
One thing’s clear: AI isn’t just for techies anymore. It’s now part of your everyday chats.
