X Rolls Out XChat: New Messaging to Challenge WhatsApp

Elon Musk is making another move to turn X (formerly Twitter) into a super app. Say hello to XChat, a new instant messaging feature that wants to take on apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger or Telegram.

So, what exactly is XChat? And what can it do? In this post, I’ll guide you through everything we know so far.

What is XChat?

XChat is an instant messaging feature integrated into X that allows users to make calls, video calls, share files, send images and voice messages as well as send vanishing messages.

It’s available on the mobile version for both free users and X Premium subscribers, although you need to pay for some of the advanced features.  

Since XChat is integrated directly into the X platform, you can send and receive messages while also posting, following accounts, or interacting with brands in one place.

But wait, this idea rings a bell…   

We’ve seen this model before with popular Asian apps like WeChat, which pretty much does it all. It’s clear what Elon Musk is after. He wants to turn X into an all-in-one platform that goes beyond social networking and messaging, even taking on the banking sector.

X Already Has DMs. So What’s Different About XChat?

The main difference between DMs on X and XChat is that DMs are a basic private messaging tool: good for text, images, and simple group chats. 

While XChat is a brand-new, advanced messaging feature built right into X. XChat adds disappearing messages, unsend options, file sharing of any type, and even audio/video calls without needing a phone number. 

In short: XChat takes messaging on X to the next level, making it feel more like WhatsApp or Telegram, but fully integrated with your X social experience. 

Want to learn more about how DMs work on X? Check out our article: 

Privacy and Security

When it comes to any messaging app, security is always a hot topic. So, how safe are your messages on XChat, really? Let’s break it down. 

Technically, XChat is built using Rust, a programming language that’s known for being secure and reliable. That’s a good start if you’re looking for a messaging app you can trust.

Elon Musk has also claimed that XChat uses a “Bitcoin-style encryption system”. But here’s where things get a bit confusing: Bitcoin’s security works differently from the end-to-end encryption (E2EE) you might know from apps like WhatsApp. 

Bitcoin mainly uses cryptography to verify transactions, not to keep messages private between sender and recipient. In fact, several experts have pointed out that Bitcoin’s blockchain isn’t technically “encrypted” in the traditional sense. So it’s not clear exactly what kind of encryption XChat is using. 

So far, there’s no official confirmation that XChat uses end-to-end encryption, which would mean that only you and your chat partner can read your messages — not even X itself could access them.

Okay, that’s a lot of tech talk, but what does it mean for you?

Bottom line: Right now, there’s no guarantee that your messages on XChat are fully protected. So if privacy is your top priority, it’s something to keep in mind. 

What Are Its Main Features? 

Think of XChat as a mashup of different messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Snapchat, all rolled into one and built into X. XChat is still in beta, but here’s what we know so far:

• Disappearing messages: One of XChat’s flagship features is ephemeral messaging, meaning that messages vanish once they’re viewed, similar to those in Telegram or Snapchat.
• Unsend messages: If you regret sending something, you can undo it — not just for you, but for the other person too.
• Group chats: A must-have in any messaging app: Chat with multiple people at the same time.
• File sharing: Go beyond just images and GIFs. XChat lets you send any file type you want. PDFs, docs, memes, etc.
• Audio and video calls (no phone number needed): This is a major differentiator. Connect via voice or video without linking your phone number. Everything runs through your X account.
• Voice notes: Prefer talking over typing? Record and send quick audio messages.
• Emoji reactions: Reply to messages with just a tap. Sometimes a 😂 or 🔥 says it all…
• Mark messages as unread: Want to come back to something later? Mark messages as unread to keep them on your radar.

Who Is XChat For?

Right now, XChat is still in beta, but it’s already opening up new ways to connect on the platform, going beyond traditional DMs. 

If you’re a brand, digital marketer, or content creator, who’s already active on X, XChat could be an additional channel to connect more directly with your community. For instance, it can be used as a more professional and organized space for customer service, answering questions, or managing private conversations without relying on external apps.

And if Elon Musk’s vision keeps rolling, we might soon see advanced features like AI integration through Grok. That could set XChat apart from other messaging apps on the market.

What Sets It Apart from WhatsApp or Telegram?

At first glance, XChat may seem like just another messaging app, but what’s XChat’s key advantage over competitors like WhatsApp or Telegram? Its direct integration with X.

While WhatsApp and Telegram are standalone apps, XChat is designed to be part of the social media experience. That means your posts, messages, and video calls are all centralized in one place.

XChat vs. WhatsApp vs. Telegram

Here’s a quick look at how XChat stacks up against WhatsApp and Telegram:

What do you think of this launch?

It’s still early days, so whether XChat will truly rival WhatsApp or Telegram remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: Elon Musk is serious about turning X into a “super app” that does way more than just social networking.

Kata , 18 June 2025