X Adds New Parameters for Those Buying @Handles

11/13/25
Source: Social Media Today – Latest News by Andrew Hutchinson. Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of X’s Handles Marketplace: What You Need to Know Before Buying Your @Handle

X’s Handles Marketplace allows Premium subscribers to acquire popular @handles, but buyers do not actually own these usernames. Instead, they receive a revocable, non-transferable license to use the handle, contingent on maintaining an active subscription and regular content creation. Transfer fees can range from five to seven figures, and failure to meet activity requirements or subscription payments can result in losing the handle. This model essentially rents handles rather than selling them outright, raising questions about their true long-term value.

Optimixed’s Overview: Understanding the Real Cost and Conditions of X’s Paid @Handles

What is X’s Handles Marketplace?

X recently introduced a marketplace where Premium+ and Premium Business subscribers can acquire vacated @handles on the platform. Prices vary widely and can be extremely high, with transfer fees spanning from the five-figure to the seven-figure range in USD. Some handles may be free, but most come at a significant cost.

Key Terms and Conditions Buyers Must Consider

  • No True Ownership: Buyers do not own the handles; X retains full ownership and grants only a limited, revocable, non-transferable license to use them.
  • Subscription Requirement: Access to the marketplace and continued use of purchased handles requires an active Premium subscription. Canceling the subscription means losing the handle.
  • Activity Mandate: Users must actively engage on the platform by creating original content, participating in discussions, and logging in from at least one device every 30 days to keep their handle.
  • Reclamation Rights: X can reclaim handles if users violate terms, become inactive, or fail to maintain subscription status, often after a 30-day grace period.

Implications for Buyers

While the marketplace offers a way to secure desirable usernames, the model is closer to renting than owning. This introduces risks—particularly for those paying premium prices expecting permanent control over a handle. The strict activity and subscription conditions ensure handles remain in use by active community members but could deter casual or speculative buyers.

Ultimately, the value of investing heavily in a username on X depends on how integral the platform is to your personal or business brand, and your willingness to maintain ongoing subscription payments and active participation.