The buzz surrounding Manus AI, an advanced autonomous AI agent developed by Monica.im, has reached unprecedented levels, with invitation codes becoming a high-stakes commodity. As eager users scramble to gain early access, beta invites are now being resold for astronomical amounts—some fetching as much as $137,000 on secondary markets.
With an exclusive, invite-only access model and a waitlist surpassing 1 million users, Manus AI has triggered a frenzy on social media and online marketplaces, turning its beta access into one of the most sought-after digital assets of the year.
A Lucrative Underground Market for Invites
The scarcity of Manus AI access has fueled a booming underground market, with invite codes being resold at staggering prices. On Xianyu, a leading Chinese second-hand marketplace, some beta invites have reportedly been auctioned for up to 1 million yuan (~$137,000).
The overwhelming demand has led many to speculate whether this exclusivity is a result of genuine server limitations or a strategic marketing ploy designed to boost Manus AI’s allure. Regardless of the reason, the AI system’s limited availability has only intensified the hype, making it one of the most talked-about tech launches of the year.
What Makes Manus AI So Special?
Unlike traditional AI models, Manus AI is being hailed as a game-changer in AI autonomy. It possesses the ability to plan, execute, and manage tasks independently, requiring little to no human intervention.
Many experts compare Manus AI to industry giants like OpenAI and Anthropic, suggesting that its self-governing capabilities could represent a significant leap toward fully autonomous AI.
One of its standout features is its ability to operate seamlessly across multiple platforms and execute complex multi-step tasks, setting it apart from conventional AI assistants. This level of autonomy has captured the attention of tech enthusiasts, AI researchers, and investors, all eager to see how Manus AI might reshape the way people interact with artificial intelligence.
Scarcity or Smart Marketing? The Debate Continues
Despite the soaring resale prices of beta invites, Monica.im insists that the invite-only model is not a marketing stunt but rather a necessity due to server constraints.
According to Zhang Tao, a partner at Manus AI,
“No marketing budget has ever been invested, and the adoption of invitation codes was due to limited server capacity that could not be avoided.”
However, some industry experts remain skeptical. Artificial scarcity has long been used as a growth-hacking tactic in tech launches, with previous AI platforms and early social media networks employing similar exclusivity-driven strategies to fuel demand.
Ritesh Ujjwal, co-founder of influencer marketing firm Kofluence, suggests that while server constraints may be real, the high demand and trading of waitlist spots may also be fueling PR-driven hype:
“Now, Monica.im has captured attention with its waitlisted access approach, a strategy so compelling that some individuals are trading waitlist tokens on secondary markets — potentially a PR approach to heighten interest.”
Regardless of the intent behind the invite-only system, the massive demand and skyrocketing resale prices of Manus AI beta invites highlight the growing global appetite for truly autonomous AI systems.
The Future of AI Autonomy Is Here—If You Can Afford It
The unprecedented demand for Manus AI underscores the tech world’s fascination with AI-driven automation. As AI systems move closer to fully autonomous capabilities, the exclusivity and high value of early access to such technology serve as a testament to its potential impact.
For now, Manus AI remains one of the most highly anticipated AI models of the year, with beta invites commanding prices only the ultra-wealthy or the most dedicated tech enthusiasts are willing—or able—to pay.
With speculation swirling and interest at an all-time high, one thing is clear: Manus AI has already cemented its place as the internet’s most coveted AI experiment—long before it’s even available to the masses.