Elon Musk has introduced XChat, a revamped direct messaging (DM) interface within the X app (formerly Twitter), aiming to transform how users communicate on the platform. Designed to rival popular messaging services like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Instagram DMs, XChat promises a seamless and secure messaging experience.
On Sunday, Musk announced the new feature in an X post, highlighting its advanced capabilities such as end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, and cross-platform audio/video calls. With these upgrades, XChat could become a serious contender in the crowded instant messaging space.
What Is XChat?
While X already had a DM feature, XChat is a complete overhaul of the existing system. Currently in beta testing, the updated messaging interface is being rolled out to a limited number of users, with a wider release expected later this week. According to Musk, XChat is built on a “whole new architecture” that incorporates what he describes as “Bitcoin-style encryption” to enhance privacy. However, this phrasing has sparked debate, as Bitcoin’s underlying technology is not traditionally referred to as encrypted, leading to some confusion and security concerns.
XChat introduces a range of modern messaging features, including, vanishing messages, encrypted messaging, file sharing, voice and video calls. This upgrade aligns with Musk’s broader vision of evolving X from a microblogging platform into a multi-purpose communication hub.
Who can access XChat?
For now, XChat is being tested with a select group of users. The feature is expected to be initially available to paid X subscribers, with premium features possibly remaining exclusive to this tier. It remains unclear whether a limited version of XChat will be offered to free users in the future.As X moves toward becoming an all-in-one platform for social media and messaging, it will be interesting to watch how XChat fares against established players, especially those that offer similar features at no cost.