X to launch marketplace for buying inactive handles

X is Launching a marketplace For passive handles that will allow premium customers to request and purchase usernames. The marketplace will offer both free and paid options for requesting or acquiring eligible handles. Rare handles can range in price from $2,500 to more than seven figures, X says.

“Priority” handles refer to usernames that often include full names, multi-word phrases, or alphanumeric combinations. These handles are free to request for Premium+ and Premium Business customers. 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 old handle will revert to their account after a 30-day grace period.

X notes that examples of “preferred” handles include usernames like @GabrielJones, @PizzaEater and @ParadoxAI.

Launching the new marketplace will allow X to increase revenue through direct payments. This will potentially increase interest in its premium subscription offering, as it continues to be a contender Advertising business struggles.

The social network says not all requests are approved and requests are generally reviewed within three business days. Once a request is approved, the user’s old handle is preserved and will not be given to anyone else.

“Rare” handles include short, generic or culturally significant names. These handles will not be available through standard request and will instead be offered through public drops and pre-priced purchases available through direct invitations.

For public drops, multiple people can apply for a handle. X said the selection is based on the user’s past contributions to the platform, their intended use of the handle, and their engagement and reach on the social network.

In direct purchases, pricing is based on a number of factors, such as word popularity, character length, and cultural significance. Once purchased, the user can keep the handle even after their premium subscription expires.

Examples of “rare” handles include usernames like @Pizza, @Tom and @One

Explanation on X a Help page It’s launching the marketplace instead of publishing inactive handles once anyone claims it because it wants to prevent bot spam or abuse, noting that the marketplace “allows for fair and safe distribution through a controlled process.”

If a user has a specific inactive handle in mind that isn’t on the marketplace, they can “register” their interest in adding the handle to their watchlist. When it becomes available, X will notify them.