Twitter/X announces to start auctioning rare user handles for millions
19 hours ago
- #username-marketplace
- #X-platform
- #social-media
- X is launching a handle marketplace to sell inactive usernames, with some 'rare' handles potentially costing millions.
- Two types of handles will be available: 'priority' (e.g., full names, multi-word phrases) and 'rare' (short, generic, or culturally significant names).
- Premium+ and Premium Business subscribers can request 'priority' handles, but must maintain their subscription to keep them.
- 'Rare' handles will be given away based on 'merit' (engagement, past contributions) or sold via invitation-only, with prices ranging from $2,500 to seven figures.
- X can reclaim handles if accounts become inactive (30 days without login), raising concerns about ownership security.
- The company has a history of taking handles from active users (e.g., @X, @music, @America) without compensation.
- Experts warn that social media users don't truly 'own' their handles or content, as platforms can revoke access at any time.