Author | Wenser (@wenser 2010)

After nearly a year of anticipation, XChat—promoted as the "Western WeChat"—finally launched, despite multiple delays from its originally scheduled April 17 release to April 23 and 24. However, contrary to many expectations, the initial version of XChat, while touting "encrypted communication," delivers a messaging experience virtually indistinguishable from Twitter (X) Direct Messages.

In our immediate assessment of this social application, heavily backed by Musk, we’ve uncovered several intriguing aspects. Let’s collectively evaluate whether XChat can emerge as the next breakout Western social media platform following Facebook and Instagram (Thread).

Interesting Point No.1: End-to-End Encryption Playing Fast and Loose with BTC?

Last June, Musk first teased XChat, announcing that the X platform would introduce a new chat tool called XChat. The updated version would support end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, arbitrary file sharing, and audio/video calling capabilities.

Moreover, he emphasized that XChat was developed using Rust and incorporated an encryption architecture reminiscent of Bitcoin, with a fully rebuilt system architecture. Crucially, users could initiate voice/video calls across all platforms without needing a phone number—(does that ring any WeChat voice/video call bells?).

However, subsequent critiques from crypto professionals and cryptographers pointed out that Bitcoin’s blockchain core functionality is not traditional encryption in the conventional sense, rendering Musk’s claims “purely opportunistic branding.”

In short: XChat’s communication encryption technology shares no meaningful resemblance to Bitcoin’s cryptographic underpinnings—it’s essentially unrelated.

Interesting Point No.2: No Ads, Aiming to Be One of the Safest Messaging Systems

On November 2, 2023, Musk appeared on Joe Rogan’s podcast, *The Joe Rogan Experience* (Odaily Planet Daily Note: This show generates ~$250M annually and ranks among the most-listened-to radio podcasts in the U.S.), where he discussed topics for three hours.

During the conversation, Musk stated that he views the U.S. as a society once infiltrated by "ideological viruses"—the original motivation behind his acquisition of Twitter. His goal? To amplify truth and build a secure social communication platform (i.e., XChat).

His exact words: "I don’t believe any communication system can claim absolute security—only varying degrees of insecurity. XChat uses a 'peer-to-peer encryption system' similar to Bitcoin’s tech, offering strong resistance against attacks. We’re conducting comprehensive testing. XChat has no ad hooks. Unlike WhatsApp and other messaging apps, which use ad-driven engagement triggers, those platforms collect your chat data to deliver hyper-targeted ads. That’s a massive security flaw—if an app collects enough data to serve ads, it must be harvesting vast amounts of private information. They say ‘don’t worry, just ad prompts,’ but others could exploit those prompts to view your messages. XChat has zero ad-related features."

"I can’t claim it’s perfect, but our aim is to replace Twitter DMs entirely with a fully encrypted system. I believe XChat will be one of the safest messaging systems available."

So far, this goal appears partially achieved—XChat currently lacks any page beyond the single 【Chat】screen.

Interesting Point No.3: Screenshot Blocking Functionality Appears to Be Broken (?)

Before launch, many were intrigued by XChat’s touted "no screenshot" feature. Based on earlier beta versions and current app settings, this function was presented as optional.

However, after personal testing, enabling the feature in XChat group chats still allows direct screenshots—but the captured image shows only the group avatar, with no message content. In contrast, attempting to screenshot within X platform group chats displays a warning: "This chat is protected—screenshots are disabled."

X Platform group chat screenshot result

XChat group chat screenshot result

Navigation path: 【Group】→【Tap Group Avatar】→【Block Screenshots】→【Enable/Disable】.

Interesting Point No.4: Supports 45 Languages, Age Rating 16+

According to App Store metadata, XChat supports 45 languages, including Chinese, German, Japanese, Russian, and Korean. Additionally, its age rating is set to 16+, indicating content such as profanity or crude humor, sexual material, nudity, unrestricted web access, and messaging. By comparison, WeChat’s age rating is 13+. From this perspective, XChat clearly operates with looser content boundaries.

Additional details on App Store age rating:

18+ criteria appear somewhat broad

Interesting Point No.5: Login Requires Verification of X Account Email Binding

Contrary to pre-launch speculation, XChat’s login interface requires verification of the user’s X account email binding. If you don’t remember your X account’s associated email, you can check it via 【Settings & Privacy】→【Your Account】→【Account Info】. If two-factor authentication (2FA) was previously enabled, a six-digit code is also required.

It remains unclear why this step is necessary—could it be for future email outreach? Or part of a KYC policy? The rationale is currently unknown.

First impression upon entering XChat

Interesting Point No.6: Encryption Is Just Skin Deep?

The previously advertised "encrypted privacy" concept feels largely superficial at this stage.

From personal testing, the XChat interface resembles X platform group chat UI, with only an added 【Encrypted: Yes】 label displayed.

Meanwhile, the 【Encrypted】 toggle option does not currently appear in this version.

XChat long-press message → tap “Info” → “Encryption” display

X platform group chat long-press message → tap “Info” → display

Interesting Point No.7: Message Self-Destruct Timer Ranges from 5 Minutes to 4 Weeks

In XChat group settings, tapping 【Disappearing DMs】 allows users to configure the self-destruct duration for messages. Options include: 5 minutes, 1 hour, 8 hours, 1 day, 1 week, and 4 weeks.

According to the interface note, the timer starts when a group member reads the message—not from the sender’s time of dispatch.

Navigational path: 【Group Avatar】→【Disappearing DMs】

Interesting Point No.8: XChat Groups Support Shareable Invite Links

This feature is fairly standard.

Notably, XChat groups share invite link functionality with X platform groups. Disabling the link means even if someone has the URL, they cannot join unless re-enabled.

XChat group invite link settings screen

Interesting Point No.9: XChat Group Size Limit May Be 1,000 Members

This detail was previously mentioned by Nikita Bier, former X platform product lead. However, the actual capacity of XChat group chats hasn’t been thoroughly tested yet.

Lately, Nikita announced the migration of X platform’s original Community (Community) feature into XChat groups, with a transition deadline set for May 30.

He also noted: "We’ll increase the XChat group size limit to 500 members, aiming to reach 1,000 members over the coming weeks. This should cover all communities on X except a few select ones." Naturally, this arbitrary scaling plan sparked significant backlash from X platform users.

Nikita’s post on April 23 drew widespread criticism

Interesting Point No.10: App Icon Comes in 8 Variants, Bubble Design Extremely Similar to WeChat

As seen in prior beta versions, the official XChat release offers eight icon colors—white, black, purple, green, orange, pink, gray, and yellow—for users to switch between. While a minor feature, it adds a rare human touch to an app otherwise focused on encrypted privacy.

Additionally, XChat’s message deletion functionality appears inspired by Telegram, offering two options: "Delete for Me" and "Delete for Everyone."

Lastly, features previously promised—such as one-click import of X contacts and social graph, seamless integration with Grok AI, X Money payments, and Cashtags—remain inactive as of launch.

Of course, XChat is only live on its first day. Plenty of room for iteration and refinement ahead. Let the bullets fly—time will tell.

Author: Wenser