Social media accounts are increasingly bought and sold through marketplaces that match buyers with sellers, with listings evaluated using follower counts and other audience metrics. Sources describe these transactions as becoming more organised, where buyers assess an account’s performance and market value before purchasing.

In this system, sellers are paid for the account’s built-up history and credibility, not just its current visibility. Buyers may compare factors such as follower quality, audience characteristics, the age of the account, and indicators of monetisation potential. While some reporting focuses on how the platforms enable easier trading, other coverage emphasizes the commercial value created by existing engagement and accumulated trust.

Overall, the outlets agree that account trading is moving beyond informal exchanges toward more structured buying and selling, with price and attractiveness determined by audience and revenue-related attributes.