Elon Musk’s X platform has rolled out the X Handle Marketplace, a new feature that allows Premium Plus and Premium Business subscribers to acquire inactive usernames — either free or for a fee — as part of ongoing efforts to expand its monetization options.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement announcing the launch, X described the marketplace as an “industry-first solution to redistribute handles that are no longer in use.” The company said eligible subscribers would be able to search for inactive usernames and make acquisition requests through complimentary or paid options.
According to the platform, the marketplace is designed to redistribute high-demand handles while generating revenue from short or culturally valuable names.
Two Categories of Handles
Priority Handles:
These typically include full names, multi-word phrases, or alphanumeric combinations. Premium users can request them at no cost, and once approved, the handle is transferred to the user’s account. However, if a subscriber cancels or downgrades their plan, the handle reverts to its inactive state after a 30-day grace period.
Rare Handles:
These include short, generic, or high-value usernames — such as @Tom or @Pizza — which can be obtained through two methods:
• Public Drops: Multiple users can apply for the same handle, with selection based on platform engagement, past contributions, and intended use.
• Direct Purchases: Handles can be bought outright, with prices ranging from $2,500 to over seven figures, depending on demand and uniqueness.
Once purchased, rare handles remain permanently with the user, even if their Premium subscription lapses.
X noted that the marketplace will operate as an ongoing service aimed at retaining paid subscribers. When a user secures a new handle, their old one becomes frozen; if they later downgrade their plan, the new handle is released after a 30-day grace period.
Background and Context
• In June 2025, X launched XChat, an encrypted messaging platform designed to rival WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. The feature supports vanishing messages, file sharing, and voice/video calls, with beta access limited to paid users.
• Elon Musk has repeatedly stated his goal to transform X into a “super app” similar to China’s WeChat, combining messaging, payments, entertainment, commerce, and dating features.
• As of October 2024, X reported 600 million monthly active users.
• Through its ad revenue-sharing program introduced in July 2023, X has distributed over $45 million to more than 150,000 creators, averaging $6.4 million monthly. The company also holds payment processing licenses in 14 U.S. states.
