Elon Musk’s social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, is introducing a new premium feature called the Handle Marketplace. This service enables premium users to buy or request access to previously unavailable, old, inactive usernames. The initiative aims to provide new value to unused handles while creating an additional revenue stream for the company. X announced this rollout via a newly created X Handle Marketplace account, which will provide information about the username availability and process. According to the company, the marketplace will focus on redistributing handles that are linked to old accounts but are no longer in active use.
Initially, this feature will be available only to X Premium Plus and X Premium Business subscribers, offering paying members both free and paid username options. The available usernames have been categorized into two types: Priority and Rare. Priority handles include full names, multi-word phrases, or alphanumeric combinations like @GabrielJones or @PizzaEater. Eligible Premium Plus or Premium Business subscribers can request a Priority handle at no cost. After submitting a request, X’s team will review it, and if approved, the user will receive the handle within about three business days. If the request is denied, users may reapply for a different username.
Notably, if a user cancels or downgrades their subscription, they will have a 30-day grace period before the handle reverts to their previous one. Rare handles are more exclusive, featuring short, generic, or culturally significant usernames like @Pizza or @Tom. These handles will not be available for free and will either be sold at a predetermined price through invitation or allocated based on merit. X states that merit will be determined by various factors, including a user’s contributions to the platform, intended use of the handle, and overall influence. More information about the selection process will be shared soon. Unlike Priority handles, Rare handles can be retained even if a user cancels their subscription, providing long-term ownership and additional value.
This exclusivity is likely to attract creators, businesses, and influencers seeking to boost their personal branding on X. However, one key policy is that purchased handles cannot be transferred to other accounts. Users are encouraged to suggest new usernames that may not currently be available, promoting a dynamic and participatory system. Through this initiative, Elon Musk continues to transform X into a platform that rewards loyalty and financial investment while exploring innovative monetization strategies for inactive digital assets. The Handle Marketplace enhances the experience for premium members and strengthens X’s movement towards a more exclusive, business-oriented environment.