xQc Can't Be "xQc" on Instagram Unless He Pays $400,000?!
xQc faces a $400K demand to reclaim his Instagram handle will he pay or fight back?
Image via xQc
Even a $100 million streaming deal can't protect you from social media headaches. Felix ‘xQc’ Lengyel, one of Twitch’s biggest stars, is caught in a surprising battle not in a game, but on Instagram. Someone else controls the coveted ‘xQc’ handle, and they’re asking for a jaw-dropping $400,000 to give it up. Let’s break it down.
The Price of a Name
For influencers, having a consistent online identity is crucial but for xQc, that identity comes with a hefty price tag. While he’s long dropped the ‘OW’ from his Twitch name (a nod to his Overwatch days), on Instagram, he’s still stuck with the handle ‘xqcow1.’ Meanwhile, the ‘xQc’ username is held by an account with just over 3,000 followers and they know exactly how valuable it is.
In fact, the account owner even used ChatGPT to justify the asking price, claiming AI values the handle at “$500,000 or more.”
Will xQc Pay Up?
So far, xQc hasn’t publicly addressed the demand. While $400K might seem like pocket change compared to his massive Kick deal, paying such a sum just for a username might not sit well with him or his fans.
Fortunately, there’s another option. Instagram allows users to file a Trademark Report if someone is squatting on a name tied to their brand. Given xQc’s massive online presence, he could potentially reclaim the handle without spending a dime.
The Black Market of Social Media Handles
xQc isn’t the only one facing this issue. Rare and recognizable usernames have become a hot commodity in an underground market, with people snatching them up in hopes of selling them for a fortune. While some influencers cave to the price, others fight back through official channels or simply settle for an alternative handle.
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The question now is will xQc play along or fight back? One thing’s for sure: even with millions in the bank, getting your own name on social media isn’t always easy.
