Social media platform X recently announced the launch of a new "Handle Marketplace" for Premium Plus and Premium Business subscribers, allowing members to purchase high-quality usernames that have been unused for a long time. This initiative aims to attract more users to the paid service by leveraging scarce resources while also revitalizing idle accounts on the platform.
According to the official introduction, premium usernames will be divided into two categories: Priority Handles, which will be free and primarily include real names, multi-word phrases, or alphanumeric combinations; while Rare Handles will require a fee, starting at $2,500 (approximately RMB 17,737) and rising to over $1 million (approximately RMB 7.095 million). The price will be adjusted dynamically based on the username's rarity and market demand. It's important to note that these premium usernames are not a one-time purchase, but rather a long-term right to use tied to the subscription service. Users who cancel or downgrade their subscription will automatically lose their purchased rare usernames.
The platform also revealed future plans, including the launch of a paid "username jump" feature, enabling seamless redirection from old accounts to new, premium accounts. This innovative business model not only meets users' demand for personalized identity, but also ensures the platform's sustainable revenue through a subscription mechanism. Analysts believe this move is likely to inspire other social platforms to follow suit, driving a new wave of development in the digital identity economy.
