Twitter/X is selling 'rare' usernames for thousands-and sometimes millions-of dollars

"The company has opened a waitlist for what it's calling the " handle marketplace," where it will sell abandoned and inactive usernames. But there's a slight catch: To make a bid for one, you'll likely need to be a Premium+ or Premium Business subscriber to the site. Some handles will be effectively free, included in the cost of the subscription. But for "rare" handles, X is warning users the price tag could be steep. "Rare handles," the company wrote in an FAQ about the marketplace, "may be priced anywhere from $2,500 to over seven figures, depending on demand and uniqueness." It's unclear if usernames X took away from active users (including @music and @sports) will be included in the sale."

"Two types of "'inactive' handles will be made available," the company said. "Priority" usernames will include "full names, multi-word phrases, or alphanumeric combinations." Handles that have "short, generic, or culturally significant names" will be deemed "rare." If you're considering signing up for a Premium+ or Premium Business subscription just to grab the name you want, then cancelling-much like streaming subscribers do when hot series roll out-you're likely to be disappointed. If the username you choose is classified as "Priority," you'll only be allowed to keep it as long as you're a subscriber. Once you cancel or downgrade, you'll revert to your current username."

X opened a waitlist for a handle marketplace to sell abandoned and inactive usernames. Bidding will likely require a Premium+ or Premium Business subscription, with some handles included as part of subscriptions. The company warned that rare handles may cost from $2,500 to over seven figures depending on demand and uniqueness. Inactive handles are categorized as Priority (full names, multi-word phrases, alphanumeric combinations) or rare (short, generic, culturally significant names). Priority usernames remain with users only while subscriptions stay active; cancelling or downgrading reverts users to their previous username. Business and Premium+ tiers carry substantial fees.

Read at Fast Company