Grok is about to start serving ads inside its AI-generated responses. Elon Musk says the plan will help X boost revenue while keeping the chatbot accessible to more users. The shift could change how people interact with the service, blending conversation and commerce in real time.
Ads will appear inside Grok’s replies
Sponsored messages will be inserted directly into Grok’s text, rather than appearing as separate banners. They’ll be labeled, but they’ll flow alongside regular answers, making them part of the conversation.
X sees Grok ads as a fresh revenue source
Musk believes integrating ads could make Grok profitable without locking its features behind a paywall. X has been seeking new ways to monetize beyond traditional feed placements, and AI chats offer a new surface for advertisers.
How ads might be targeted
Targeting could be based on the topic of the conversation. A travel-related question might trigger a hotel promotion, while a sports query could lead to a ticket offer. It’s personalization with a clear commercial edge.
Other AI platforms are exploring ad integration
Google and Meta have each tested sponsored suggestions inside their AI assistants. So far, most implementations have been cautious to avoid eroding user trust something X will also have to navigate carefully.
- Ads will be built into Grok’s text responses
- Sponsored content will be clearly marked
- Targeting may match conversation topics
- Part of X’s broader revenue strategy
- Similar ad models are emerging across AI platforms
Grok ads risk blurring the line between answers and marketing
Handled well, they might feel like useful recommendations from the Grok. Done poorly, they could undermine trust in the AI’s objectivity. Musk is betting on the former, but the margin for error is slim.
Your next AI answer might come with a sales pitch.
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