X Rolls Out Encrypted Chat, Its Comprehensive DM Replacement with Video Calling

X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, officially launched "X Chat" on November 13, 2025. This significant development marks the replacement of its longstanding Direct Messages (DM) system, integrating a full suite of encrypted communication features directly into the X app. The rollout, following quiet internal testing and previews initiated in October 2025, positions X Chat as a direct competitor in the secure messaging landscape, aiming to rival established platforms like WhatsApp and Signal.

Global Launch and Enhanced Communication Capabilities

The new X Chat feature is now live globally for all users. Reports from the last 48 hours, confirmed by tech news outlets such as Engadget on November 14, 2025, indicate that the feature is widely accessible. This launch sees X retiring older DM infrastructure, signaling a complete transition to the new system. A prominent new button within the X app provides seamless access to the communication stack.

Central to X Chat's appeal are its robust new functionalities:

• End-to-End Encryption: All messages, audio, video calls, and file transfers are now end-to-end encrypted across devices, ensuring no third-party access, not even by X itself. This covers 100% of communications.
• Integrated Audio and Video Calling: Users can make audio and video calls directly within the app without needing to share phone numbers, enhancing privacy and convenience.
• Advanced Messaging Features: The system includes file transfers, media sharing, and search capabilities within chats. Additionally, features like disappearing messages and screenshot notifications offer users greater control over their conversations. Users can also add custom nicknames for contacts, a small but appreciated touch.

This represents a substantial upgrade from X's previous DM system, which lacked inherent end-to-end encryption and advanced calling features in 2024, addressing long-standing privacy concerns.

A Privacy-First Paradigm Shift

X has positioned X Chat as a "fully encrypted communication system" built for "maximum privacy" with "zero compromise." Official statements from X executives, including those associated with Elon Musk and platform designers, emphasize a clear departure from traditional data monetization models. The company asserts that there are "no advertising hooks," "no data selling to advertisers," and no reliance on third-party dependencies like AWS for its core infrastructure. An official post underscored this commitment, stating, "X never reads or sells your chats," framing the system as unbreakable and user-controlled.

This privacy-first design ethos differentiates X Chat from other platforms. Unlike WhatsApp, which has ad integrations, or Telegram, which isn't fully encrypted by default, X aims to offer a completely private communication channel. The integration into the broader X ecosystem, with upcoming features like X Money payments, suggests a vision for a comprehensive, privacy-centric digital hub. Early indications from late October 2025 also teased the potential for a standalone X Chat app to launch soon, further expanding its versatility.

User Engagement and Future Trajectory

The rollout has garnered significant initial engagement. Preview posts about X Chat in October 2025 reportedly saw view counts ranging from 67,000 to over 1 million per post, accumulating up to 3,799 favorites, indicating substantial user interest. Following the November 13 launch, official estimates suggest millions of users accessed the new chat feature within its first 24 hours. Given X's reported over 500 million active users in 2025, the potential for widespread adoption is considerable.

Community sentiment on X from October and November 2025 reflects excitement among users, with many praising the robust privacy features. Users have expressed relief over the end-to-end encryption and the assurance of no data selling, citing fatigue with other platforms' tracking practices. While some inconclusive user posts mentioned minor initial access glitches, the overall reception has been positive, accompanied by calls for broader adoption. Tech experts view this move as a bold entry into the secure messaging market, with some analysts from outlets like Engadget describing it as a "game-changer" for privacy-focused individuals. Early comparisons favor its no-ads model against competitors, though experts note that long-term security audits will be crucial for building widespread trust. The global availability, particularly its emphasis on no data tracking, resonates well in privacy-sensitive regions such as the EU and amid ongoing privacy debates in the US.