X Launches Handle Marketplace for Premium Subscribers

X, formerly known as Twitter, has launched a Handle Marketplace that allows Premium+ subscribers to claim usernames from inactive accounts. This feature, which was previewed earlier, is now fully operational and offers two categories of handles: "priority" and "rare." Priority handles are intended to help users secure usernames that reflect their identity, while rare handles consist of short, culturally significant names that are deemed more valuable.

You Can Now Buy 'Rare' Inactive X Usernames

To access the Handle Marketplace, users must maintain a Premium+ subscription, which costs $40 per month or $395 annually. Alternatively, Premium Business subscriptions start at $200 per month. Users can only request one priority handle throughout their account's lifetime, necessitating careful consideration of their choice.

You Can Now Buy 'Rare' Inactive X Usernames

The marketplace categorizes handles into two types:

• Priority Handles: These are available to users who meet X's approval criteria and often include full names or multi-word phrases.

• Rare Handles: These handles are accessible through an invitation-only system or during public drops, where multiple users can apply. The selection process for rare handles considers factors such as past contributions to X and user engagement.

Prices for rare handles can range significantly, from $2,500 to potentially over seven figures, depending on demand and uniqueness.

You Can Now Buy 'Rare' Inactive X Usernames

X has established strict guidelines for maintaining handles. Users must create content regularly; otherwise, X reserves the right to reclaim handles from accounts that remain inactive. The platform emphasizes that handles should be used to foster community engagement and expression, rather than for speculation. Notably, X retains ownership of all handles and can reclaim them at any time, a practice that has been controversial in the past.

Critics have raised concerns about the implications of monetizing usernames, particularly in light of X's history of handling user accounts. The requirement for a paid subscription to access the marketplace has also been viewed as a barrier for many users. Additionally, the process for determining which handles are classified as priority or rare lacks transparency, leading to confusion among subscribers.

You Can Now Buy 'Rare' Inactive X Usernames

X has stated that the Handle Marketplace aims to ensure that usernames are held by active users who contribute to the platform's community. The company has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a vibrant environment for sharing ideas and expressions.

• “X’s intent is to ensure that handles remain available for active voices and creators who help advance the mission of the platform, not for speculation or inactivity.” — X Official Statement

• “If you do decide to go for a new handle, your previous handle will be frozen and made unavailable to others.” — X FAQ

You Can Now Buy 'Rare' Inactive X Usernames

The launch of the Handle Marketplace represents X's ongoing efforts to monetize user engagement and identity on the platform. While it provides opportunities for users to secure unique usernames, the associated costs and restrictions have sparked debate about the accessibility and fairness of the new system.

You Can Now Buy 'Rare' Inactive X Usernames