X (formerly Twitter) is preparing to launch a new feature that could completely change how usernames work on the platform. The company is building an official marketplace for inactive handles. This means users will soon be able to browse, request, and even purchase usernames that are currently inactive.
The new marketplace will be available only to Premium Plus and Premium Business subscribers. X plans to divide handles into two main categories: Priority Handles and Rare Handles.
Priority Handles will be free to claim. These will include regular names, common phrases, or combinations of letters and numbers. Rare Handles, however, will come with a price tag. These could range anywhere from $2,500 to over a million dollars, depending on the handle’s demand and uniqueness.
Also read: Different Ways to Earn Money on X
This move is clearly part of X’s larger plan to push more users toward its paid subscriptions. Instead of treating it as a one-time offer, X is making the handle marketplace an ongoing feature for its premium members.
There are also a few important conditions. If you successfully claim a new handle, your old one will be frozen. X has hinted that it may later offer an option to redirect the old username to the new one, but that could come as a paid add-on.
Another key detail is what happens if you cancel or downgrade your subscription. In that case, your account will automatically revert to your original username, and you will lose access to the new one you got through the marketplace.
The introduction of this feature shows that X is continuing to explore new ways to monetize the platform. It is also a smart move to attract businesses, creators, and influencers who value unique or brand-specific usernames.
For regular users, though, this might make it even harder to get a clean or short username without paying extra. But for brands and public figures, it could be a golden opportunity to secure their ideal handle officially through X.
