Ddos 
Image: Nima Owji
The social platform X (formerly Twitter) has long entertained the notion of monetizing dormant usernames—handles tied to long-abandoned or suspended accounts. These usernames are considered digital assets by X and are now being positioned for auction as a new revenue stream.
This isn’t the first instance in which the platform has unilaterally reclaimed usernames from users. When Twitter rebranded to X, several coveted handles, such as @X, were reportedly seized without prior user consent. Affected users were assigned randomized usernames, and it remains unclear whether X offered any compensation in return.
Recent analysis of X’s source code by developers has revealed that the company is actively advancing its plan to sell premium usernames. X is building an online auction platform, primarily targeting verified businesses, to bid on desirable handles—typically short, memorable words or abbreviations. As of now, X has yet to disclose which usernames will be made available for bidding.
Participation in these auctions comes with steep prerequisites: only organizations subscribed to X’s Verified Organizations service—which costs $1,000 per month—are eligible. The starting bid for a premium username is set at $10,000, with prices reportedly reaching up to $500,000 or more for highly sought-after handles.
For X, this initiative offers a potential revenue boost. The platform currently relies on two primary income streams: digital advertising and subscriptions to its verification program for individuals and organizations. Yet, even with an influx of ads populating timelines and comment sections, revenue remains underwhelming.
For large enterprises, acquiring a premium username might present a strategic branding opportunity—but it should not be viewed as an investment. X has not provided any assurance that purchased usernames can later be transferred to another entity. While unofficial brokers have been observed facilitating such exchanges—capitalizing on cases where users change handles and others quickly claim them—there is no formal infrastructure supporting this practice.
Ultimately, securing a premium username on X may enhance brand visibility and marketing presence within the platform, but beyond that, the advantages remain limited.
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