X to offer custom and 'rare' usernames to users via Handle Marketplace

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X has detailed its Handle Marketplace and opened a waitlist for users who want to secure inactive usernames. The initiative will allow Premium+ and Premium Business subscribers to request eligible handles and will also make high-value usernames available for sale or allocation through controlled releases.

Two categories of usernames on offer

X will classify inactive handles into “priority” and “rare.” Priority handles include multi-word names, full names and alphanumeric strings. Premium+ and Premium Business subscribers will be able to request some of these as part of their plan. X states that priority usernames can be revoked if the subscription ends.

Rare handles refer to short, generic or culturally relevant words. X says these usernames will be offered either through public drops or fixed-price sales. Public drops will let multiple users apply, and allocation will be based on engagement signals and past activity on the platform.

The X Handle Marketplace is our industry-first solution to redistribute handles that are no longer in use.

Eligible Premium subscribers will be able to search and make requests, with both complimentary and paid options available.

— Handle Marketplace (@XHandles) October 19, 2025

Rare handles may cost up to seven figures

X will also sell some rare handles privately through invitation-only offers. Prices will be fixed and determined by factors such as character length, word popularity and cultural significance. The company has said that rare handles may cost anywhere from $2,500 to more than seven figures. Buyers will need an active subscription to initiate the transfer but do not need to maintain it to retain the username once ownership is completed.

Policy questions and ownership limits

The company has positioned the Handle Marketplace as a framework it wants the industry to adopt. Analysts note similarities to expired domain auctions but have raised concerns around clauses that allow X to reclaim usernames if accounts go inactive. X currently defines inactivity as accounts not logged in for 30 days. The company has also previously reassigned desirable usernames from active users, which may influence buyer confidence.

X has not disclosed a full rollout timeline or criteria transparency for merit-based handle allocation.