X Introduces Username Marketplace for Select Subscribers

X, previously known as Twitter, has announced the launch of the X Handle Marketplace, a new platform that enables select users to request inactive usernames. This innovative marketplace aims to redistribute handles that are no longer actively utilized, allowing eligible users to browse and make requests for usernames they desire.

How the X Handle Marketplace Operates

The X Handle Marketplace is touted as an industry-first solution. Eligible users, specifically those with Premium Plus and Premium Business subscriptions, can search through a selection of inactive usernames. The marketplace will feature both complimentary and paid options. According to a report by The Verge, the available handles will be categorized into two groups.

Some usernames will be offered free of charge, typically encompassing full names, multi-word phrases, or alphanumeric combinations. In contrast, rarer usernames will come with a price tag, ranging from $2,500 to potentially over seven figures, based on their demand and uniqueness. This pricing strategy reflects the platform’s ambition to cater to a diverse range of users while tapping into the potential for higher revenues.

Eligibility and Subscription Dynamics

Notably, the marketplace is exclusively available to Premium subscribers, which means not all users can take advantage of this new feature. When a user successfully acquires a new username, their previous handle will be frozen. Should they decide to downgrade their subscription, they will regain access to their original username.

This strategic move is perceived as part of X’s broader initiative to bolster the number of paid subscribers on the platform. By introducing features that entice users to upgrade their accounts, X is reshaping its approach to user engagement and monetization.

In summary, the launch of the X Handle Marketplace represents a significant shift in how usernames are managed on the platform, potentially benefiting both users seeking unique handles and X itself in the quest for increased subscriber revenue.