X Plans to Sell Inactive Usernames to Verified Companies Starting at $10K

X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, appears to be moving closer to monetizing dormant usernames – especially for deep-pocketed businesses.

New backend code updates spotted in X’s web app suggest that the company is preparing a "handle inquiry" system, which would allow Verified Organizations to request inactive usernames. According to details found in an internal FAQ, bids for these usernames will reportedly start at $10,000 and could go as high as $500,000 or more.

This feature is designed for Verified Organizations – business accounts already paying $1,000/month for X’s premium services. Once the system is live, eligible organizations will be able to initiate a request through a yet-to-launch platform. An automated bot will manage initial requests and respond within three business days to confirm if a desired username is up for grabs.

If available, the chosen username will be transferred to the buyer’s X account within one to two business days, or moved to another verified account owned by the same organization.

Interestingly, the internal documentation also notes that discounts could be available for organizations purchasing multiple usernames – though specifics will depend on the size and scale of the quote.

Elon Musk has been vocal about wanting to clean up the platform’s unused usernames since acquiring X. Back in May 2023, the platform purged thousands of inactive accounts, and by November, reports surfaced that X was quietly offering desirable handles to interested parties. However, this marks the first sign of a structured, official process for purchasing usernames.

The concept of monetizing usernames isn’t new either. In early 2023, The New York Times reported that the company was exploring an auction-style marketplace. Until now, though, X’s official help pages insisted that inactive usernames could not be released – a policy that seems to be changing.

Selling usernames could offer X a new revenue stream outside of advertising, subscriptions, and API access. It also incentivizes casual users to remain active – after all, no one wants to lose a coveted handle they’ve held for years.

While the purchase portal is not yet live to the public, all signs point to a launch in the near future.

As of now, X has not provided an official statement on the matter.