X to Sell Inactive Usernames for $10K+

X’s Plans to Monetize Dormant Usernames

The strategy of X, formerly Twitter, to increase revenue through the sale of unused usernames is progressing. Recent discoveries within X’s web application reveal the establishment of a “handle inquiry” system.

This new process will enable Verified Organizations – businesses and entities already subscribed to X’s $1,000 monthly plan – to participate in auctions for unclaimed X handles.

Auction Details and Pricing

According to a discovered FAQ, initial bids for these handles will commence at $10,000. However, the final sale price could potentially exceed $500,000.

Reverse engineer Nima Owji first identified these updates to the web application on Wednesday, as reported to TechCrunch. Currently, the website facilitating handle acquisition is not publicly accessible.

Previous Considerations and Account Purges

The concept of generating revenue from username sales isn’t novel for X. In January 2023, The New York Times reported that, while still known as Twitter, the company was evaluating an online auction format for handle bidding.

Elon Musk has consistently advocated for optimizing X’s namespace for active users. This led to the removal of numerous inactive accounts in May 2023.

Furthermore, Forbes reported in November 2023 that X was proactively seeking potential buyers for unused handles. However, a formal announcement regarding this initiative was not issued at that time.

X’s official documentation previously indicated an inability to release inactive usernames. Despite this, anecdotal evidence suggests some usernames have been acquired outside of official channels.

Potential Benefits for X

By officially allowing companies to purchase desired usernames, X stands to create an additional revenue stream. This complements existing income from subscriptions, advertising, and developer access.

The initiative may also incentivize increased activity among existing X users, who may be motivated to maintain their handle’s activity to prevent it from becoming available for sale.

FAQ Insights

The FAQ currently addresses several common questions users might have regarding the process. These include initiating a handle inquiry, understanding the sales procedure, and the mechanics of handle transfer.

Interested parties will interact with an automated support bot to inquire about a specific username. X will respond within three business days to confirm availability.

Upon purchase, the handle transfer will be completed within one to two days. Alternatively, the handle can be assigned to an existing account owned by the purchasing business.

Discounts may be offered for bulk purchases, contingent on the quantity and overall value of the request.

X has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these plans.