According to data from AppFigures and TechCrunch, xAI, a subsidiary of X, launched the Grok 4 model and a series of AI companion functions. After only two days of launch, the revenue on iOS soared by 325% , with daily revenue soaring from US$99,000 to US$419,000, and the number of downloads increased by 40%.
So, what exactly is the AI companion function of Grok 4 and X? How does xAI make money? Can ordinary people also catch the express train of AI dividends?
This article will help you understand it all at once, and also come with a detailed usage guide.
X's AI business is changing its business model
In the past, more than 90% of X's (Twitter) revenue came from advertising. But after Musk acquired it, advertisers fled and advertising revenue plummeted by 60%.
To solve this dilemma, X is turning to AI revenue:
The Grok series of large models is launched (currently Grok 4)
Launched AI virtual companion function (including characters such as "Anime Gothic Girl")
Paid subscription for advanced AI services
Testing AI conversation tools for young people
This strategy has brought obvious results. Data shows that after Grok was launched, the in-app purchase revenue of the X platform increased significantly, and users' willingness to pay increased significantly.
What is Grok 4? Why is it so popular?
Grok 4 is an advanced AI chat model launched by X platform, which is called "ChatGPT alternative with Elon Musk's personal style".
Features:
Real-time knowledge + "Musk-style thinking": some answers contain Elon's own biased views
Entertaining AI dialogue: easy chat, spoof, NSFW (adult content) functions
Paid premium mode: faster response, broader knowledge, requires X Premium+ subscription
AI Generated Content (AIGC): text generation, anthropomorphic dialogue, virtual character interaction
How to use X's AI virtual companion function?
The most popular one at the moment is X's "AI companion character", which includes settings such as anime-style characters, virtual lovers, and Gothic girls.
Experience steps:
1. Update X App to the latest version
Search "X" in iOS/Android app store to confirm it has been updated
2. Enter X's AI chat interface
Open X and click the [Grok AI] entry
Or select [AI Companions] in the sidebar
3. Select a character and start interacting
You can choose:
1. Goth Girl
2. Anime style boy/girl
3. Customizable Characters (Coming Soon)
4. Pay to unlock advanced features (optional)
"X Premium+"Subscribe to unlock:
1. NSFW Mode
2. Long conversation memory function
3. Advanced personality training
How do content creators monetize using X's AI?
Musk's AI is not just for "technical reasons", but a "reconstruction of the platform profit model". Here are three practical inspirations, especially suitable for content creators, self-media people, and small entrepreneurs:
1. Create your own "emotional AI product"
You don't need to make a big model, but you can use existing AI platforms (such as ChatGPT, Claude, Notion AI) to create an "AI assistant" belonging to your vertical category:
For example, those who are engaged in maternal and child content can create "parenting emotional companionship AI";
If you are a fitness person, you can create an AI for "diet check-in + fitness plan".
The core is "role-based + practicality + high emotional value".
2. Virtual Human IP = Emotional Consumption Power
X's Gothic AI girl can make money not because of its technological leadership, but because it meets users' emotional needs for "companionship + fantasy + communication."
You can:
Create a virtual human IP (through animated avatars and short videos);
With the help of AI corpus generation tools, you can let "she" or "he" become your secondary personality to interact with others;
Used for content dissemination, e-commerce sales, and membership services.
3. Take advantage of AI to empower your personal IP
Musk is not the most technically proficient person, but he is the best storyteller. He strongly associates AI products with himself (xAI = Elon), allowing fans to "recharge their faith" in his products.
You can use "AI" as part of your content operation:
Analyze AI trends and test new products;
Develop vertical category prompt word toolkits and tutorials;
Become an "AI application sharing blogger" to earn traffic and monetize.
Can AI be X's lifeline?
Chance:
Revenue diversification: no longer relying solely on advertising, reducing the risk of being "kidnapped" by advertisers
User payment habits are being cultivated: AI products make more users willing to pay for functions
AI models bound to social scenarios: virtual companionship + social interaction, forming a new ecosystem
risk:
Content review issues: NSFW features, youth AI exposure, triggering ethical discussions
Model bias controversy: Grok 4 built-in some of Musk's views, which may affect user trust
Technical challenges: xAI competes with giants such as OpenAI and Anthropic, and has huge R&D investment
Conclusion: What should ordinary users do?
Want to experience the AI trend?
You can try Grok 4 on X now, or explore the AI companion function to learn about the new model of next-generation social and AI interaction.Practitioner perspective:
Paying attention to X's AI monetization path is an important window into understanding the future "social + AI" business model.Brands and creators:
Pay attention to AI-driven content interaction opportunities and explore new AI content marketing methods.
Do you think X's strategy of turning things around with AI will be successful? Will you use the AI virtual companion feature?
