X launches 'Handles' where you can get 'unused rare usernames', and the super rare usernames are worth hundreds of millions of yen

X (formerly Twitter) allows users to freely set usernames beginning with '@' when creating an account or when changing them, but they cannot use the same username as someone else's. Therefore, on October 19, 2025, X announced that it would launch 'Handles,' a service exclusively

https://handles.x.com/

Handles / X
https://handles.x.com/how-it-works

You can set your own username for X, but if you enter a username that is already in use, you will see the message 'This username is in use. Please choose another one,' and you will not be able to decide on a username. In that case, a 'recommended user' will be suggested, with a different username added to the end of your desired username, but since usernames that have been used in the past will not be suggested, your options will be limited.

So, X has launched the X Handle Marketplace (Handles) for paid subscribers, which aims to redistribute 'usernames that are no longer in use but are still associated with old accounts.'

The X Handle Marketplace is our industry-first solution to redistribute handles that are no longer in use.

Eligible Premium subscribers will be able to search and make requests, with both complimentary and paid options available.

— Handle Marketplace (@XHandles)

October 19, 2025

There are two types of usernames available for redistribution on Handles: 'Preferred Handles' that Premium+ and Premium Business subscribers can request for free, and 'Rare Handles' that are not available through standard requests.

・Priority handle
If you request a username that's still associated with your old account, your request will usually be reviewed within three business days. If approved, the username will be 'reserved.' A reserved username cannot be taken by anyone else, and you can apply it to your own account whenever you want. Since preferred handles are a benefit for X Premium+ and Premium Business accounts, if you cancel or downgrade your subscription after receiving them, your newly acquired username will automatically be replaced with your old username.

・Rare handle
There are two types of rare handles: 'Drop' and 'Purchase.' 'Drop' handles are personal names or coveted English words such as 'Harry,' 'Legend,' and 'Bill.' X sometimes drops these 'specific usernames with wide appeal' and releases them as limited-time drops open to multiple users. The selection process takes into account past contributions to X, the username's intended use, and engagement and reach on X.

Additionally, particularly popular or culturally significant words, such as 'One,' 'Fly,' and 'Compute,' can only be acquired through invitation-only purchase offers. Prices for rare handles can range from $2,500 (approximately ¥380,000) to hundreds of millions of yen, depending on demand and uniqueness. If you purchase a rare handle, you can continue to use the same username even if your subscription ends.

If you change your username to a new one with a 'preferred handle' or 'rare handle,' your previously used username will be frozen and will not be available to other users. It has been announced that in the future, there may be an option to redirect from your old username to a new username for an additional fee.

X explains why unused usernames are a perk of premium accounts: 'To prevent spam and abuse by bots, we don't make valuable, inactive usernames publicly available. The Handle Marketplace allows for fair and secure distribution through a controlled process.'