So far, social networking platform X has only allowed its paying members to use Grok, an AI chatbot developed by Elon Musk’s xAI. However, it seems that the platform is considering offering the chatbot to non-paying users as well.

During the past weekend, multiple application researchers and users reported that a free version of Grok is being provided to individuals in selected areas.

TechCrunch was able to verify that at least in New Zealand, X is experimenting with giving free users access to Grok.

As per a researcher named Swak on X, there are currently usage restrictions: the Grok-2 model permits 10 queries every two hours, the Grok-2 mini model allows 20 queries every two hours, and users can ask three image analysis questions per day.

To access Grok without paying, your X account must be a minimum of seven days old and have a phone number associated with it.

In August, xAI introduced Grok-2, which features image generation capabilities and is supported by the FLUX.1 model from Black Forest Labs. Just recently, the model was upgraded to be able to interpret images. So far, these features were exclusively available to Premium and Premium+ users.

By extending Grok’s availability to free users, xAI might be aiming to expand its user base and accelerate the feedback loop for its offerings. This way, the company could potentially contend more effectively with other market models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini.

Last month, The Wall Street Journal announced that xAI was in negotiations to secure several billion dollars in funding at a valuation of $40 billion.