Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) is ramping up its efforts to unlock new revenue streams—and one of the most intriguing developments yet may soon become a reality. The platform is preparing to sell inactive or abandoned usernames to Verified Organizations, starting at a base price of $10,000.
This potential game-changer was uncovered through recent changes in X’s web application code, which reveal that the company is building a new system to handle what it calls “handle inquiries.” The feature, though not yet publicly available, lays the groundwork for a formal process where businesses can bid on dormant X handles.
What’s in the Works?
According to the newly surfaced information, the handle acquisition system will cater exclusively to Verified Organizations—entities that already pay a hefty $1,000 monthly subscription to maintain their verified status on X. These organizations will soon be able to initiate bids for inactive usernames, with starting prices of $10,000 and some expected to fetch well over $500,000, depending on the handle’s perceived value.
An internal FAQ embedded within the web application details how this process will unfold. Interested organizations will engage with an automated support bot to submit a username request. If the requested handle is available, X will respond within three business days. Upon successful purchase, the handle will be transferred to the new owner within one to two days or moved to a different business-owned account if preferred.
A Strategic Shift in Revenue
The idea of monetizing usernames isn’t new. Under Elon Musk’s leadership, X has frequently emphasized the importance of freeing up unused real estate on its platform. In May 2023, the company conducted a large-scale purge of inactive accounts to make valuable handles accessible once again.
While no official announcement has been made yet, past reports indicated that X has already been exploring the possibility of selling unused usernames behind the scenes. In fact, select parties have reportedly been approached with offers to purchase desirable handles outside of any formal auction system.
This new system, however, marks the first sign of a structured and scalable approach to handle sales. By formalizing the process and setting a high entry point, X is not only creating a new revenue stream but also reinforcing the value of digital identity and branding on its platform.
Incentives and Potential Discounts
Interestingly, X’s still-hidden webpage also suggests there will be opportunities for discounts—particularly for organizations looking to acquire multiple usernames in bulk. This approach could appeal to large corporations or brand networks aiming to unify their digital presence across various divisions, markets, or campaigns.
The potential to bundle and negotiate username deals adds an enterprise-level dynamic to what was once a free, first-come-first-serve feature. For X, this represents a broader shift from a social media platform to a high-stakes branding and identity marketplace.
The Bigger Picture
X’s foray into username sales reflects a broader strategy to diversify its revenue model beyond traditional advertising and user subscriptions. In recent months, the platform has experimented with monetizing nearly every facet of its ecosystem—from premium subscriptions and ad-free feeds to developer tools and exclusive content.
Allowing businesses to claim premium digital real estate through handle purchases taps into the increasing demand for brand consistency and visibility across social platforms. In a digital landscape where usernames can carry immense recognition and value, X may have just opened the door to a new frontier of online branding.
At the same time, this move sends a clear message to inactive users: keep your account active, or risk losing your handle. For regular users, this might encourage more consistent engagement, indirectly boosting the platform’s overall activity levels.
What’s Next?
Though the system is still under development and not accessible to the public, all signs point toward an imminent rollout. With the infrastructure now appearing in the platform’s backend, it’s likely only a matter of time before X makes a formal announcement.
Whether you’re a brand hoping to claim your ideal username or simply a curious user watching X’s evolution unfold, one thing is clear: the days of free digital land grabs may be numbered.
