X Launching Handle Marketplace, Waitlist Open

Elon Musk’s X is launching an X Handle Marketplace to redistribute inactive usernames, has opened a waitlist, and will initially limit access to paying Premium+ and Premium Business subscribers. The service divides handles into “Priority” names (longer full names, multi-word or alphanumeric handles that subscribers can request as part of a subscription but will lose if they cancel or downgrade) and “Rare” names (short, generic or culturally significant handles distributed via public drops or invite-only direct purchases). X says Rare handles will be priced based on factors like popularity, length and cultural significance, with prices starting around $2,500 and potentially climbing into seven figures, and X has indicated Rare handles will remain with buyers even if they later end their subscription. The company frames the move as a new revenue stream that recasts usernames as valuable online real estate and taps into debates about digital identity and Web3-style name ownership. Journalists and critics warn the policy could leave former account holders uncompensated, enable impersonation or scams, and further monetize social identity. X has not disclosed how many inactive handles will be made available during the beta rollout.