X Now Selling Usernames—But It’ll Cost You

As of recent developments, X (formerly known as Twitter) is offering the option for users to purchase coveted usernames. However, acquiring one of these premium handles comes with a significant cost and additional requirements.

The attached image highlights a conversation where the username “@nebula” is available for purchase, but before any pricing is provided, there are prerequisites:

• A W9 form (for U.S. residents)

• A billing address

• Billing contact information (name and email)

• The account in question, “@WatchNebula,” must also apply to be approved as a Verified Organization on X, a process that currently requires a $1,000 fee.

This handle-swapping process, although potentially lucrative for the platform, can be quite expensive for interested parties. Moreover, approval as a verified organization takes around 3 business days once all the necessary documentation is submitted. The exact price for acquiring the username will only be provided after these steps are completed.

The Price of a Username

For those eyeing a premium X handle, becoming a verified organization is the first mandatory step, which involves paying the $1,000 verification fee. Only after this process can the exact cost of acquiring the username be revealed, which could add significantly to the overall expense.

The introduction of this service could create opportunities for organizations looking to solidify their branding with a sought-after handle, but the cost barrier will likely limit this to those willing to invest heavily in their online presence.

Conclusion

X is opening up the sale of usernames, but at a price. If you’re interested in obtaining a username, you’ll need to go through the verification process as an organization, which already costs $1,000. For businesses or individuals determined to secure a valuable username, this could be a worthwhile investment, but the overall cost could make it prohibitive for many users.