Social media giant X is taking a revolutionary step that will radically change the operation and user experience of the platform. Developed in line with Elon Musk's “everything app” vision, the long-awaited X username marketplace, coming soon. This new platform will bring a whole new dimension to the concept of digital identity by allowing users to buy and sell usernames that they deem inactive or valuable.
This system, called X Handle Marketplace, offers great opportunities especially for brands, content producers and digital investors. From now on, short, catchy and branding-friendly usernames will turn into digital assets. While this development aims to increase interaction and user loyalty on the platform, it will also create an important revenue model for X.
What is X Username Marketplace and Why is it Important?
The X username marketplace is basically an official system that allows users to exchange their identities starting with “@” on the platform in a market environment. This marketplace aims to bring valuable usernames of accounts that have been inactive for a long time back into the economy. Thus, potential brand names or generic words that have been locked for years will have a chance to meet the right buyers.
The biggest motivation behind this move is to make the platform more financially sustainable and create new revenue streams. In addition to the monetization methods such as advertising revenue sharing and subscription systems that Elon Musk has implemented since his acquisition of X, username trading will also play an important role. This system also aims to create a more loyal community by increasing users' investments in the platform.
Usernames are a fundamental part of our identity in the digital world, and an accurate username is critical to brand awareness and accessibility. This step by X means that it officially accepts that usernames have become digital assets that have value and can be bought and sold, rather than just identifiers. This situation can also be seen as a reflection of the username sales model that Telegram launched with its platform called “Fragment” and achieved great success.
How Will X Handle Marketplace Work?
According to the information obtained, the X username marketplace will operate with a highly structured system. First of all, only Premium+ and Premium Business subscribers, which are X's paid subscription tiers, will be able to benefit from this service. This shows that the most loyal and invested users of the platform are given special privileges.
Usernames will be divided into two main categories: “priority” and “rare” usernames. Priority usernames, which typically include full names, multi-word phrases or standard alphanumeric combinations, can be requested free of charge. After the applications are reviewed, eligible users will be able to switch to their new names without losing their existing followers or post history.
The part that will really create excitement will be the “rare” usernames. These usernames, which are short, one-word, generic or have high cultural value, will be paid and their prices can start from $ 2,500 and go up to seven figures, that is, millions of dollars. This will create a serious competitive area, especially for big brands and investors.
Rare Username Purchasing Process and Rules
The process of purchasing a rare username will work differently than a simple auction. X states that it will not receive direct offers in this process, but will instead collect applications from interested Premium + and Premium Business users. The platform will then evaluate these applications based on various factors, such as the applicant's activity and presence on the platform, and select a winner.
When a new username is obtained, the old username will be frozen by the system, preventing it from being taken by anyone else. X also announced that it plans to offer a redirection service between old and new usernames as a paid add-on in the future. This is an important feature that will ensure that users do not completely lose touch with their old identities.
In case of subscription cancellation, there is an important distinction. If you have a “priority” username received for free and you cancel your subscription, your account will automatically revert to your old username. However, a “rare” username you purchase will be fully owned by you and you will be able to keep it even if your subscription ends.
Opportunities and Risks for Users and Brands
The X username marketplace offers exciting opportunities for both individual users and corporate brands. Brands will now have the opportunity to officially purchase catchy and short usernames that will resonate more easily with their target audiences. This is an invaluable advantage for digital marketing and brand identity building strategies.
For content creators and digital entrepreneurs, this marketplace can also be a tool to strengthen their personal brands. They may have the chance to access the usernames they have been dreaming of for a long time but have been taken by someone else. At the same time, for those who have a valuable username, this may mean a new source of investment and income.
However, the system also has some potential risks. In particular, the behavior of username “squatting”, that is, buying names that are thought to be valuable and keeping them for the purpose of selling them at a high price later, is likely to increase. Additionally, high prices may restrict individual users' access to this market, causing the market to revolve more around large corporations and wealthy investors.
Telegram's Successful Model Inspired X
X's idea of building a username marketplace isn't entirely new. Messaging application Telegram pioneered this field with its blockchain-based platform called “Fragment” and achieved great success. In auctions held via Fragment, usernames such as “@news” and “@auto” found buyers for prices reaching millions of dollars.
This decentralized marketplace, created by Telegram using The Open Network (TON) blockchain, gave users full ownership of their digital assets. Although it is not yet clear how decentralized the system X will establish, the $50 million revenue earned by Telegram clearly shows how profitable this model can be. By following this successful example, X aims to create a model adapted to its own ecosystem.
Conclusion: The New Economy of Digital Identity
As a result, X username marketplace, represents an important turning point in the monetization strategies of social media platforms and the perception of digital identity. This initiative transforms usernames from passive tags into valuable digital assets that can be actively bought and sold. This bold step by Elon Musk to make X a “super app” will shape the future of the platform and redefine users' relationship with X.
It is eagerly awaited when the X Handle Marketplace, which is still in the waiting list phase, will be fully operational. However, one thing is already certain: When this marketplace opens, a new economic activity will begin in the digital world and there will be fierce competition for the rarest usernames.
