AI WORLD HQUnlock Real-Time Insights with Grok on X
Discover how to use Grok, an AI tool on X, to get instant summaries and quick insights into the latest trending topics and public conversations.
Have you ever seen a topic trending online and wished you could instantly understand what's happening without sifting through countless posts? Grok, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool available through X (formerly Twitter), helps you do just that. This guide will show you how to quickly get real-time insights and summaries on any trending discussion.
- An X account with an X Premium+ subscription. Grok is an exclusive feature for these paid subscribers.
- The X mobile app (on your phone or tablet) or access to the X website on a computer.
- Roughly 5-7 minutes to follow along with this guide.
Find and open Grok
First, you need to locate Grok within your X app or on the website. This is how you'll begin interacting with the AI tool.
What you see: When you open the X app or website, you'll see your main feed, full of posts from people you follow and trending topics.
The exact action: Look for the Grok icon (it usually looks like a stylised 'X' or a unique character, often located near the bottom navigation bar on mobile or in the left sidebar on the website). Tap or click on this icon.
What happens next: The X interface will change, and the Grok chat screen will appear, often with a greeting message and some suggested topics.
If it looks different: If you can't find the Grok icon directly, try looking for a "Premium" or "Explore" section, or a search bar where you can type "Grok" to find it. User interfaces can change, so look for a button or tab that clearly mentions Grok.
You'll know it worked when: You see a dedicated chat interface with a large "Grok" title, ready for you to type a question or choose a topic.
Explore the Grok interface
Once you've opened Grok, it's helpful to understand its main parts before you start asking questions. This will make your experience much smoother.
What you see: The Grok screen will typically show a chat history area (which will be empty if it's your first time), a text input box at the bottom, and often a list of "Trending Topics" or "Suggested Questions" above the input box. You might also see a toggle or option for different response styles (like "Fun Mode").
The exact action: Take a moment to glance around the screen. Notice the chat input box at the bottom — this is where you'll type your questions. You might also spot some pre-made topic suggestions, which are prompts (instructions for the AI) Grok thinks you might be interested in.
What happens next: Nothing specific happens on screen, but you'll gain a mental map of where everything is. This helps you know where to look when you want to ask something or find more information.
If it looks different: The exact layout might vary slightly between devices. Just focus on identifying the main chat input area and any obvious lists of topics or modes.
You'll know it worked when: You feel comfortable with where to type your questions and where Grok's answers will appear.
Ask Grok a simple question
Now that you know how to find Grok and navigate its interface, it's time to ask your first question and get some real-time insights.
What you see: You're on the Grok chat screen, with the input box ready.
The exact action: Type a clear question into the text input box at the bottom of the screen. Think of a current event or a trending topic you're curious about. After typing, tap or click the "Send" button (often a paper aeroplane icon or similar) next to your input.
What happens next: Grok, which is an LLM (large language model — like the engine behind ChatGPT), will process your prompt (the instruction you give to an AI). You'll see it actively "typing" or "generating" a response in the chat history area. Grok will then provide a summary or answer based on real-time information from X.
If it looks different: If you get an error message, try rephrasing your question or picking a simpler topic. Sometimes network issues can also cause delays. Grok may occasionally 'hallucinate' (confidently make something up), so if an answer seems very odd, double-check it.
You'll know it worked when: Grok provides a concise, multi-sentence response directly in the chat window, explaining the key points about your chosen topic.
Get detailed insights on a trending topic
Grok is great at giving you a quick overview, but you can also use it to dive deeper into specific trending discussions happening on X.
What you see: You're still on the Grok chat screen, potentially with your previous question and answer.
The exact action: Instead of typing your own question, look for the "Trending Topics" or "Suggested Questions" section, usually located above the chat input box. These are pre-selected topics Grok has identified as popular right now. Tap on one of these suggestions that catches your eye.
What happens next: Grok will automatically generate a prompt related to that trending topic and immediately start typing out a summary or explanation. This is a fast way to get up to speed on what people are saying without needing to formulate your own question.
If it looks different: If there are no trending topics visible, or none that interest you, you can always go back to Step 3 and type your own more specific question about a topic you know is trending.
You'll know it worked when: Grok generates a new, detailed response in the chat, providing context and key talking points for the chosen trending topic.
Try Grok's 'Fun Mode' for a different perspective
Grok offers different ways to respond, including a "Fun Mode" that can provide more lighthearted or humorous takes on topics. This is a nice way to see its versatility.
What you see: You're viewing the Grok chat interface, potentially with past conversations.
The exact action: Look for an option to switch modes. This is often a small toggle, a dropdown menu, or a button labelled "Fun Mode" (or similar), usually located near the top or bottom of the Grok screen. Tap or click this option to activate "Fun Mode."
What happens next: Grok's persona will subtly shift. When you ask your next question, you'll notice its response style is less formal and might include jokes, playful analogies, or a more conversational tone, while still trying to provide factual information. It's like having a witty friend summarise the news for you.
If it looks different: The "Fun Mode" feature may be called something else (like "Casual Mode") or might not be available in all regions or at all times. If you can't find it, don't worry – the default mode still gives you excellent insights.
You'll know it worked when: Grok's next answer has a distinctly more informal, possibly humorous, or unique personality compared to its standard responses.
- Not having a Premium+ subscription: Grok is exclusively for X Premium+ subscribers. If you don't have it, you won't see the Grok icon or will be prompted to upgrade. The fix: Ensure your X account has an active Premium+ subscription.
- Asking overly broad questions: While Grok is powerful, asking things like "Tell me about everything" will result in a vague or unhelpful answer. The fix: Be specific! "What's the latest on [specific event]?" works better than just "What's new?".
- Expecting opinions or predictions: Grok summarises public posts and trends, it doesn't offer personal opinions or predict future events. The fix: Frame your questions to seek summaries and insights from existing public conversations, not speculative answers.
Open the X app or website, find the Grok icon, and tap on one of the suggested "Trending Topics" to see a real-time summary in less than a minute.
✦ Original step-by-step guide by AI World Co.'s AI editorial team. Written in plain language, reviewed for accuracy.
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