X has launched a Handle Marketplace that lets paying subscribers claim inactive usernames, splitting them into free “priority” requests and paid “rare” handles that can cost from around $2,500 to seven figures. It’s a bid to turn dormant handles into premium digital real estate and nudge users toward higher-tier plans.
What’s new
X’s Handle Marketplace is accessible to Premium+ and Premium Business subscribers, offering an in-app flow to search and request inactive usernames. Rare, short, or culturally significant handles are sold via public drops or invite-only purchases, with pricing that can reach seven figures for the most coveted names.
How it works
- Priority handles: Often full names or multi-word phrases, requestable for free by eligible subscribers, typically reviewed within about three business days.
- Rare handles: Short, generic, or high-demand names (think @pizza or @one) offered via drops or direct purchases with premium pricing.
- Handle retention: You keep the marketplace handle as long as your Premium plan stays active; downgrades trigger a roughly 30-day grace period before reverting.
Why it matters
This formalizes a long-rumored move to monetize dormant handles while driving subscriptions. Unlike Instagram or Threads, which don’t sell handles, X is positioning usernames as tradable prestige assets for brands, creators, and collectors.
Key details
- Eligibility: Premium+ and Premium Business only.
- Categories: Priority (free with subscription) and Rare (paid).
- Reviews: Priority requests usually targeted within about three business days.
- Pricing: Rare handles start in the low thousands and can reach seven figures for top-tier names.
Risks and caveats
It’s more like renting than owning: lose the subscription, and you lose the handle after the grace period. Expect scrutiny around impersonation, trademarks, and handle flipping, though X says previous handles are frozen to reduce abuse.
Quick FAQ
- Who can buy or request? Premium+ and Premium Business subscribers.
- Are all inactive handles available? No; some are request-only, and rare names may be invite-only or drop-based.
- Do I keep it forever? Only while your subscription remains active.
Bottom line
For brands and creators chasing short, clean usernames, this is the fastest legitimate route—if the budget and subscription are in place. For most users, it signals that usernames on X are now premium inventory with ongoing costs.
