X is preparing to roll out a marketplace for buying inactive handles, giving Premium subscribers a chance to claim coveted usernames that have been long abandoned. The new feature is designed to let users request or purchase inactive handles through both free and paid options, depending on availability and exclusivity.
Image Credits:Matt Cardy / Contributor / Getty Images
How The New Handle Marketplace Works
The upcoming X handle marketplace will allow Premium+ and Premium Business members to submit requests for “Priority” handles—usernames that often feature real names, multi-word phrases, or creative alphanumeric combinations. If approved, these handles can be transferred to users at no additional cost. However, if a subscriber cancels or downgrades their plan, their previous handle will revert to their account after a 30-day grace period.
Examples of these “Priority” handles include usernames like @GabrielJones, @PizzaEater, and @ParadoxAI, highlighting the types of valuable names users might be eager to claim.
Rare Handles Could Fetch High Prices
For more exclusive or “Rare” handles, X plans to introduce a premium tier within the marketplace. These handles—short, culturally relevant, or widely desirable names—will not be available through standard requests. Instead, they’ll be offered through public drops or invite-only sales, with prices ranging from $2,500 to well over seven figures.
Such pricing underscores X’s attempt to diversify its revenue streams while offering unique digital assets to users willing to pay for prestige or brand value.
How Handle Requests Will Be Processed
According to X, handle requests will be reviewed within three business days. Not all requests are guaranteed approval, and the company emphasizes that eligibility and user credibility will influence the decision. Once approved, a user’s old handle becomes reserved and cannot be claimed by anyone else—protecting identity continuity on the platform.
Public Drops: A Competitive Way To Secure Names
During public drops, multiple users can apply for the same handle. Selection criteria reportedly include a user’s past activity on X, their intended use of the handle, and their overall engagement and reach. This approach ensures that handles go to active and influential users rather than resellers or inactive accounts.
Why X Is Launching The Marketplace
The decision for X to launch a marketplace for buying inactive handles aligns with its broader strategy to strengthen Premium subscriptions and reduce reliance on ads. As advertising revenue continues to face challenges, the company aims to leverage exclusive features like handle trading to attract and retain paying members.
The marketplace also taps into the growing digital economy where usernames and online identities hold significant brand and monetary value. Offering verified and secure handle transfers could help X build credibility among creators, businesses, and personal brands looking to expand their digital footprint.
What It Means For Users
For Premium subscribers, the marketplace could become a powerful branding tool—especially for those seeking short, memorable, or professional usernames. It may also reduce impersonation risks by ensuring that desirable handles are tied to verified, active accounts rather than dormant ones.
However, the move raises questions about accessibility and fairness. While Premium members gain priority, regular users might find it increasingly difficult to obtain unique names without paying.
X’s Push Toward Monetization And Premium Value
Under its evolving strategy, X continues experimenting with new monetization channels to boost revenue beyond ads. From video monetization to AI features, and now a handle marketplace, the platform is positioning itself as a space where exclusivity and identity can carry tangible value.
The initiative could also help boost Premium+ adoption, as users who value unique branding opportunities are incentivized to upgrade their subscriptions.
The upcoming X marketplace for buying inactive handles marks a major shift in how digital identity is valued and traded on social media. By letting users request, buy, and own rare handles, X is transforming usernames into digital assets—combining exclusivity, utility, and status into one feature.
As the rollout begins, it remains to be seen how users respond and whether this move successfully turns dormant usernames into a thriving new business for the platform.
Post a Comment