X Launches Marketplace to Buy Inactive Handles
X is launching a marketplace that lets Premium subscribers request and purchase inactive usernames. The platform will include both free and paid options for acquiring eligible handles. According to X, rare handles could cost anywhere from $2,500 to over seven figures.
“Priority” handles refer to usernames that often include full names, multi-word phrases, or alphanumeric combinations. These are free to request for Premium+ and Premium Business subscribers. If a user’s request is approved, X will transfer the handle to them for free. However, if a user cancels or downgrades their subscription, their previous handle will return to their account after a 30-day grace period.
X notes that examples of “Priority” handles include usernames like @GabrielJones, @PizzaEater, and @ParadoxAI.
The marketplace launch aims to generate additional revenue through direct payments. It may also increase demand for Premium subscriptions as X continues to face challenges with its advertising business. Furthermore, this initiative could reduce spam and handle misuse, ensuring a more secure and fair process for users.
How the Marketplace Works
Not all requests will be approved, and X states that reviews typically take up to three business days. Once a request is approved, the user’s old handle will be reserved and won’t be reassigned. This policy ensures that users retain ownership while avoiding disputes.
“Rare” handles include short, generic, or culturally significant names. These won’t be available through regular requests but will appear in public drops or through direct, pre-priced purchases available by invitation. For public drops, multiple users can apply for the same handle. X explains that selection depends on factors such as prior contributions, intended use, engagement, and reach on the platform.
In contrast, direct purchases are priced based on factors like popularity, character length, and cultural relevance. Once a handle is bought, the user can keep it permanently, even if their Premium subscription ends. Examples of “Rare” handles include usernames such as @Pizza, @Tom, and @One.
Security and Future Access
X clarified on its help page that the marketplace exists to prevent mass bot activity or abuse. By offering a controlled environment, it can ensure fair distribution and maintain platform integrity.
If users are interested in a specific inactive handle not listed in the marketplace, they can register their interest to add it to a Watchlist. When that handle becomes available, X will notify them directly.
Overall, this new marketplace reflects X’s ongoing effort to balance monetization with community trust. Although it could reshape how users claim identities online, it also emphasizes responsibility, security, and transparency in the evolving digital ecosystem.
