What is Grok and Why Is It Gaining Popularity in India? Everything You Should Know
The Rising Popularity of Grok in India
In today’s technology-driven world, numerous AI chatbots are vying for users’ attention. Among them, Elon Musk’s Grok, introduced in 2023, has unexpectedly captured the interest of Indian internet users in 2025. The chatbot saw a significant boost following the recent update on X, previously known as Twitter, which showcased Grok’s engaging personality and more human-like conversational style. This distinct approach makes it stand out from its more polished counterparts.
What is Grok?
Developed by xAI, Grok represents a modern solution to current AI challenges, directly responding to other AI platforms like OpenAI. The latest version, Grok 3, operates on the powerful Colossus supercomputer. Musk claims it is ten times faster than the previous version and has described it as "scary smart."
One of Grok’s particularly compelling features is its ability to adapt its language and tone based on user interactions. For many Indian users, this means a conversation that feels relatable and informal, much like chatting with friends over tea, filled with cultural references and even, at times, casual language.
How Grok Works and Access Information
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing its user base, Musk has made Grok 3 accessible for free. This offer surfaced a few days after the chatbot’s global unveiling and is available for a limited period. What sets Grok 3 apart is that it comes preloaded with DeepSearch and reasoning abilities, features often hidden behind paywalls in other AI systems. Voice mode and other premium functionalities are available to paid subscribers.
In late February, Musk announced the launch of a dedicated Grok app, compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows. While the basic version is free to use, some premium features remain exclusive to paying subscribers on X. Users can interact with Grok in several ways on the X platform. A dedicated Grok button alongside posts allows direct discussions about specific content, and tagging @grok prompts the AI to respond with relevant information.
Grok’s Surge in Popularity in India
Grok has experienced a notable increase in interest across India, as highlighted by Google Trends data showing a surge in related searches. Users on X have been eagerly sharing their Grok chats, celebrating its capability to capture the essence of Indian conversation. Unlike other AI systems, which often provide formal replies, Grok aligns itself with the more jovial tone characteristic of friendly exchanges in India, addressing everything from cricket controversies to political satire with ease.
This aspect of Grok has resonated particularly with younger audiences, who appreciate its willingness to tackle a wide variety of subjects and its cheeky, playful responses.
The Impact of Grok on Publishers
The emergence of Grok as an AI fact-checking tool poses significant challenges for traditional publishers and news outlets in India. With users increasingly turning to Grok for immediate information, the conventional pattern of searching for news articles online is disrupted. Grok offers a straightforward method of accessing information directly on the X platform, potentially diminishing traffic to external news websites.
As a result, publishers face a pressing challenge in retaining audiences who might prefer to engage with Grok instead of searching through various news sources. Grok’s ability to synthesize information creates a walled garden atmosphere within X, positioning itself as a one-stop destination for those seeking knowledge. This development could deepen existing financial strains within the journalism industry, which is already battling the impact of social media.
The popularity of Grok among Indian users reveals a shift in AI engagement. As the chatbot captures the hearts of its audience, the long-term effects on user behavior and information consumption patterns remain to be seen. However, for now, Grok stands as a testament to the evolving interactions between technology and culture in India.
