Elon Musk says the latest X algorithm update powered by Grok 4 Mini is already showing results.
The rollout, which Musk confirmed will demand about 20,000 GPUs, is still in testing but has begun improving user feeds. While many praise the smarter recommendations, others are raising concerns over transparency and the slower response time introduced by the new AI system.
Key Takeaways
- Musk says Grok 4 Mini improves X’s algorithm but adds higher latency.
- Full rollout will require about 20,000 GPUs to operate at scale.
- Early users report smarter feeds and better recommendations.
- Grok app continues to grow, hitting millions of iOS downloads.
- Critics push for transparency on how the algorithm prioritizes content.
Grok 4 Mini is Elon Musk’s latest AI-powered algorithm for X, designed to improve feed recommendations. Early tests show better personalization but at the cost of slower response times. Musk says the upgrade needs 20,000 GPUs for full rollout, signaling both higher computing demands and bigger ambitions for Grok’s role in X.
Am trying out the new 𝕏 algorithm powered by Grok 4 Mini. It’s definitely better.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 16, 2025
Will require ~20k GPUs to roll out to all users and there is higher latency, but the juice is worth the squeeze.
Musk Pushes Grok 4 Mini Into X’s Core Algorithm
Elon Musk announced on Saturday that X is testing a new algorithm powered by Grok 4 Mini, a lightweight version of the AI model developed by his company xAI. The system, Musk said, is delivering “definitely better” results in user feeds, though it introduces noticeable latency.
Rolling the system out to all users will require about 20,000 GPUs, underscoring the heavy computing costs behind Musk’s plan to make AI central to X’s experience.
Users Already Spotting Changes
Several users reported on X that their feeds felt “smarter” and “more relevant” after the update. One early tester, software engineer Maria Lopez, posted: “I usually see random spam, but today my feed feels tuned in to my interests for the first time in months.”
That anecdotal evidence suggests Grok 4 Mini’s integration may already be live in limited testing.
Expert Views: Smarter, But Not Transparent
Dr. Oren Etzioni, former CEO of the Allen Institute for AI, told The Verge in a prior interview: “Algorithmic improvements are great, but without transparency, users are left guessing what the machine prioritizes.”
Similarly, Ethan Mollick, professor at the Wharton School, noted that Musk’s approach reflects a broader AI industry challenge: “Every AI system makes trade-offs — speed, cost, and accuracy. The fact that Musk is upfront about latency shows both ambition and the reality of scaling AI.”
Grok’s Rapid Rise
Beyond X, the standalone Grok app has grown rapidly, racking up millions of iOS downloads with high user ratings (App Store, 2025). Musk shared a chart showing strong growth curves, reinforcing that his AI ecosystem is expanding quickly.
Why It Matters
X’s adoption of Grok 4 Mini isn’t just a product update — it’s a test case for whether large-scale AI can make social media more engaging without sacrificing usability. If Musk succeeds, he could set a precedent for AI-driven feeds across platforms.
What’s Next
- Wider rollout expected once GPU infrastructure is ready.
- Possible subscription-tiered access to Grok-powered features.
- Ongoing debate about algorithmic transparency and regulation.
- Potential competition with OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic in consumer AI apps