Technology
Danish Kapoor
Danish Kapoor

X makes inactive usernames accessible through the paid system

X evaluates usernames that have not been used by anyone for a long time. The company has prepared a new marketplace specifically for Premium Plus and Premium Business users. Thanks to this digital space, idle usernames on the platform become accessible again. Users are faced with a system where they can choose and request the username they want.

In this new system, usernames are divided into two main groups. Names presented with the phrase “priority usernames” usually contain full names, simple expressions or mixtures of letters and numbers. These names can be obtained free of charge under certain conditions. However, the most striking part of the system stands out with the “rare usernames” category that will be offered for a fee. The prices of the names in this group start from 2,500 dollars and can go up to seven-digit levels depending on demand. Therefore, it seems that the system is aimed more at professional or commercial users.

The person who changes his/her X username will be able to keep his/her previous name in the system.

The person who purchases the new username does not completely lose his old name. But this old name is frozen by the system so that it cannot be used again. This method aims to enable users to preserve their previous connections. However, X is considering offering redirection between this name and the new name in the future. This forwarding may be provided as an optional service for an additional fee. This stands out as an important detail for accounts that want to protect the integrity of their digital assets.

Although the system seems attractive, it does not guarantee permanence. When the Premium Plus or Premium Business subscription is downgraded, the username is also withdrawn. In this case, the account is automatically reverted to the previous username. Thus, users are forced to always stay at the Premium level in order to benefit from the system. This means a long-term commitment, especially for individual users.

There are also curious questions about the operation of the username market. It is not yet clear who will be given usernames, especially those associated with brands or with high search volume. However, it is stated that the company will allocate these names not randomly, but through a manual approval process. In this process, it is possible that documents such as identity verification will be requested from the user. In this way, it is planned to prevent abuse.

In addition, it is clear that the system offers serious advantages for commercial accounts. Short and catchy usernames provide more effective communication in digital marketing. These usernames can make a difference, especially for content producers, entrepreneurs and those dealing with e-commerce. Despite everything, the high price range of the system leaves individual users behind. This shows that the market is designed for a specific user group.

On the other hand, this step by X can be considered as an extension of its search to diversify its income sources within the platform. The unstable structure of advertising revenues directs social media companies directly to subscription-based solutions. The username market seems to be a new reflection of this trend. However, the long-term success of the system will depend on the balance to be achieved on basic topics such as transparency, fairness and user experience. Otherwise, the system may only be popular among certain segments.

In addition to all these, the pricing structure created by X in the username sales system is also noteworthy. It seems that username value is measured not only by length but also by the meaning it contains. The list prices of usernames, especially those containing popular words, industry names or general expressions, are quite high. This points to a new approach that evaluates social media usernames as digital assets. This shows that identity construction on social media has taken on a commercial character.

For now, it remains unclear how X will manage the username market and balance the demands in this area. For the system to be sustainable, it is critical to gain the trust of the users. For this, pricing, support service and identity verification processes will need to be carried out meticulously. Otherwise, even if the system attracts attention in the short term, it may lose its effect in the long term. What kind of a road map the company will draw in this regard will be closely monitored.


Danish Kapoor