Just a few weeks after introducing its “Boost” feature to enhance visibility, and having prioritized posts from Premium subscribers to motivate users to pay, one wonders what X will do next.

As the quest for monetization intensifies on Elon Musk’s social network, the platform is set to advance with a new and unique feature.

In a post shared on X on October 19, it was revealed that the platform is planning to launch a marketplace for inactive usernames. This unprecedented initiative, exclusive to Premium+ subscribers, aims to revitalize millions of dormant accounts while creating a new revenue stream for the company.

Different Categories of Usernames for Different Strategies

Named the X Handle Marketplace, this new platform allows Premium+ and Premium Business users to request or purchase previously inaccessible usernames, which are categorized into two main groups.

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The “Priority Handles” such as @GabrielJones or @ParadoxAI, are free as long as one holds a paid subscription. Once the request is approved, the username is transferred to the new user at no additional cost. If the user cancels their subscription, their old username is automatically returned to them after a 30-day period.

The “Rare Handles”, on the other hand, are the true commercial focus of the initiative. These usernames, which are short, generic, or culturally significant, like @Pizza or @One, will be sold directly by X at prices ranging from $2,500 to several million dollars depending on their rarity and demand.

A New Strategy to Boost Paid Subscriptions?

With this innovation, X primarily seeks to enhance the appeal of its Premium plans, especially as advertising revenues struggle to return to their pre-2022 levels.

The company promises a fair and secure process, with each request being manually reviewed within a few days. Users can even add a username to their wishlist, to be notified as soon as it becomes available.

“Drops” for the Rarest Usernames

For the Rare Handles, two approaches are planned. There will be “public drops”, where several subscribers can apply based on their activity and influence on the network, and direct purchase invitations for the most sought-after usernames.

By doing this, X hopes to attract new users and ensure that the most “rare” accounts on the platform can have a second life…