X Launches Marketplace to Sell Inactive Usernames
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X Launches Marketplace to Sell Inactive Usernames
What’s Behind X’s New Username Marketplace?
In a bold move that’s reigniting debates over digital identity and platform control, X (formerly Twitter) has launched a marketplace allowing users to purchase inactive usernames. The initiative, announced quietly via an update to X’s help center, targets the growing demand for short, memorable, and brand-friendly handles that have long been locked behind dormant accounts.
According to X, the marketplace will initially offer usernames that have shown no activity for at least two years and meet specific eligibility criteria. This includes accounts that never posted, never verified a phone number or email, and have no followers or following.
How the Marketplace Works
Eligible usernames will be listed on a dedicated section of X’s platform, where interested buyers can place bids or purchase directly at a fixed price. X has not disclosed exact pricing tiers but hinted that costs will vary based on handle desirability—shorter names and common words will likely command premium rates.
- Usernames must be inactive for ≥2 years
- No posts, follows, or profile customization allowed
- Original owners cannot reclaim sold handles
- Purchases are final and non-refundable
Controversy and Community Backlash
The announcement has drawn swift criticism from long-time users and digital rights advocates. Many argue that recycling inactive handles undermines user trust and sets a precedent for platforms monetizing user data—even indirectly.
“Once you create an account, that username becomes part of your digital identity. Selling it off feels like a betrayal,” said digital privacy researcher Maya Lin.
Others worry about impersonation risks. If a popular brand or individual once owned an inactive handle that’s now sold, bad actors could exploit the association for scams or misinformation.
Comparison With Other Platforms
X isn’t the first to consider reclaiming unused usernames, but it is the first major social network to commercialize them outright. Here’s how it stacks up:
| Platform | Username Reuse Policy | Monetized? |
|---|---|---|
| X (Twitter) | Releases inactive handles via paid marketplace | Yes |
| May release handles after prolonged inactivity, but no public sales | No | |
| Handles rarely recycled; tied to real-name policy | No | |
| Inactive accounts stay locked indefinitely | No |
What This Means for Users and Brands
For marketers and entrepreneurs, the marketplace could be a goldmine. Premium handles like @AI, @News, or @Shop—once impossible to obtain—might now be within reach, offering instant brand recognition and SEO advantages.
However, existing users should act quickly to secure their accounts. Even minimal activity—such as logging in or updating a profile picture—may be enough to prevent a handle from being flagged as “inactive.”
As X continues its transformation under Elon Musk’s vision of an “everything app,” this move signals a deeper shift: usernames are no longer just identifiers—they’re assets.
