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How to pick a good instagram name


What's An Instagram Handle And How Do You Choose The Best One?

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An Instagram handle, or “username,” is the identity you use on Instagram to connect with followers.

Your handle identifies and differentiates you in the social media landscape. With around a billion active users on Instagram, it’s crucial to stand out. An Instagram handle also gives you a key tool for building a memorable identity for your audience. Think of it like a catchy business name. The better your handle, the more likely people are to remember you.

Today, we’re going to walk you through the basics of choosing an Instagram handle designed to deliver more followers for Instagram.

Let’s get started.

Quick Links

What Is An Instagram Handle?

An Instagram handle is your username on Instagram. It’s unique to you and your account, and it conveys your personality (and identity) to followers.

Most people use a variation of their own personal name, the name of their company, or something related to what they’re going to share on Instagram, e. g., doglover20.

When you created your profile on Instagram, the service probably asked you to come up with a username straight away. Don’t worry if you already have an Instagram handle, you’re not happy with – you aren’t tied into this name. We’ll show you how to change it later.

Similar to a phone number or website URL, an Instagram handle is a link to your Instagram profile. You’re the only person with your handle. If someone else wants to find and follow you, they can type your handle into Instagram’s search bar to find you.

Why Is An Instagram Handle Important?

Your handle is how people find you on Instagram.

If you want to boost your chances of growing your following, you need a memorable, shareable handle. The right Instagram handle will help clients to track you down on Instagram, but it can also help to boost brand awareness, too. For instance, if your handle is your business name, your followers on Instagram will instantly know how to track you down elsewhere online.

A good handle will:

  • Differentiate and define you on Instagram
  • Make your content easier to find
  • Help people to @mention you for word-of-mouth marketing
  • Improve brand recognition and awareness
  • Provide information on who you are or what you do

For instance, Sony makes it quick and simple to find their content on Instagram by using the handle “Sony.” Using the same brand name also helps customers to define the account as authentic:

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How To Choose The Best Instagram Handle

A good Instagram handle is a key component of your digital brand.

To begin, ask yourself what kind of Instagram account you’re running. Is it for:

Business: If so, the name of your company usually makes the most sense as your Instagram handle. This will show your customers your account is official and improve recognition.

Personal: If you’re building a personal brand, use your own name as your Instagram handle. You could also consider shortened versions like @GaryVee

Curation: If you’re curating and sharing specific content on Instagram, choose a handle that highlights what you’re going to share, like @PugLover

Here are some other tips to help you choose the right handle.

1. Keep It Simple

Like an URL or business name, an Instagram handle needs to be simple to be memorable.

Instagram has a thirty-character limit for handles, but you shouldn’t need anywhere near that many letters. The longer your handle is, the easier it is to misspell or forget. Choose something relevant, like your own name, or your business name, and:

  • Keep it short: Minimize the number of excess characters where you can, without making the spelling more confusing. Don’t add numbers and extra characters unless you have to.
  • Avoid complex spelling: If your name is difficult to spell, it might be easier to shorten it to something simpler, like @GaryVee.
  • Stay away from underscores: If you can, avoid any underscores or dashes. Your followers may forget where to place them.
2. Try Using Keywords

If you’re creating a curation account, or the name you would otherwise choose for your Instagram handle is taken, you can consider making a username based on a keyword. For instance, if you’re going to be posting about cars, you can type the word “car” into Google and see what comes up.

Remember, the keywords you choose should be relevant to your audience, and the content you’re going to share. For instance, if you’re sharing pictures of cute kittens online, then it makes sense to have an Instagram handle like @CuteKittens.

3. Make It Memorable

Making your Instagram handle memorable isn’t just about keeping things simple. A straightforward username will be easier for your followers to remember, but it’s worth adding some intrigue if you can too. For instance, when choosing an Instagram handle, OUAI haircare didn’t just go for “OUAI. ”

To make the name more memorable, the company decided to play on how close the word “OUAI” is to “way” in terms of pronunciation. The handle “TheOUAI” is instantly more likely to stick in users’ minds, and it demonstrates the company’s personality.

4. Be Consistent

Chances are you’ll have more than one social media profile in today’s digital world. You might even have a website of your own where you share information about your brand, too. Wherever your customers find you online, they need to see consistency.

It’s no good having the handle “TheOuai” on Instagram and then having a completely different name, like “OUAI-Haircare” on Facebook. The more differences between your titles, the harder it will be for people to find you. Ensure your brand identity remains the same on every platform.

5. Don’t Restrict Yourself

Finally, remember that you’re likely to have this Instagram handle for quite a while. With that in mind, you don’t want to restrict yourself to a specific product or location. If you’ve started a business selling shoes, it might be tempting to use the name: business_shoes, but this won’t make much sense if you decide to sell other products later.

Similarly, adding a location like “NY” to your Instagram handle could make it harder to reach global audiences as your brand grows. Keep your long-term goals in mind.

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Instagram Handle Ideas

Now you know how to start building your Instagram handle, let’s look at some examples for inspiration. Once you have the ultimate handle, you can start exploring marketing strategies from Instagram automation to Instagram themes. Here are some of the best Instagram handles.

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1.  @Girlwithnojob

Claudia Oshry chose the @Girlwithnojob handle as a fun way to highlight her playful and humorous nature. This is a great handle choice, because you instantly get an idea of the kind of content you’re going to be seeing on the platform – which is often things like quirky selfies and memes.

2.  @Pugloversclub

Another wonderfully descriptive Instagram handle, the @Pugloversclub Instagram account instantly tells you what you’re going to get from the account. Using the word “club” at the end of the handle also creates a sense of community, which draws followers in.

3.  @Apartmenttherapy

An Instagram account dedicated to providing beautiful pictures of interior design and apartments, @Apartmenttherapy uses its handle to describe the kind of relaxing images you’re going to see. The word “therapy” is a great choice, because the soft colors and themes of the account are highly comforting and laid back.

4.  @TheRealJimParsons

For personal accounts, particularly among influencers and celebrities, using the phrase “the real” before your name is quite common. There are many copycats out there, so @TheRealJimParsons used his Instagram handle to reassure followers they were in the right place.

5.  @LushCosmetics

Simple and memorable, @LushCosmetics is an excellent example of how companies can simply use a brand name and what they sell as a great Instagram handle. The use of the “cosmetics” term after the brand helps to differentiate this account from other Lush handles.

6.  @FashionInFlux

This creative Instagram handle example is perfect for a fashion influencer. Lydia Rose chose her @FashionInFlux handle to demonstrate her ever-changing relationship with fashion. She also has an alternative interior design account which follows similar branding: @InteriorsInFlux

7.   Bucketlisters

For a travel-focused Instagram profile, @Bucketlisters is a fantastic choice for a handle. This name instantly tells followers to expect images of places you definitely want to visit before you die. The name also matches the company’s website.

Instagram Handle Generator Tools

If you’re struggling with finding the right Instagram handle, don’t panic. There are a handful of “generator” tools out there which can help you come up with some ideas. All you need to do with these products is enter your nickname or name, and a few other details. Some great options include:

SpinXO: The SpinXO name generator can help you with creating Instagram names, usernames, gamertags, and YouTube names. You just enter your name or nickname, hobby information, things you like, and any important words to get some creative ideas to work with. Click the “spin” button after entering your details and you’ll get up to 30 names to choose from.

WeShare: A solution offering a range of helpful creativity tools, WeShare has its own dedicated Instagram name creator. To get ideas, all you need is to type a few relevant words into the search bar. You could mix things up with a keyword, your real name, a business name, and so on. When you’re ready, just click “Generate.”

Lingojam: One of the better-known Instagram name generators, Lingojam has a simple service that’s great for social media users. All you need to do is type a few words in the left panel, then you’ll get up to 300 random usernames on the right.

Jimpix: Jimpix is a random online username generator which can help you to find titles for just about any platform. Just type in a word or name, and select from one of the 31 available categories, or choose a random category. You can add extra terms into your search to make your handle even more unique.

IUG: The Insta Username Generator is a username generator specifically for your Instagram handles. You plug in your keywords and names, and the solution will either generate simple ideas for you, or offer an “advanced search” with more filters and AI functionality.

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How To Change Your Instagram Handle

Changing your Instagram handle is simple if you don’t like the one you already have.

Before you do anything, make sure you let your users know you will be changing your username. You don’t want to lose followers because they can’t find you. It’s also worth protecting your old username by creating an account with that title before you switch to the new handle. You can always make that profile private. Keeping your old username simply stops other people from taking it and trying to leverage your success.

To change your username, go to Instagram.com, or log into the app, and tap on your profile.

Next to your username, click on “Edit Profile”

If you’re using the app, the “Edit profile” option will be under your bio.

In the username section, you can simply remove your existing username, and add a new one.

Make sure the name you pick isn’t already taken. If you make a mistake during the process of switching your username, you can also convert back to your old handle for up to 14 days.

If you’re worried about your Instagram verified badge, you can contact the Instagram Help team and let them know you’ve got a new name, so they can ensure the verification gets transferred over.

What Happens If You Change Your Handle?

Changing your Instagram handle won’t automatically remove all your followers and pictures from your account. Instead, it simply changes the name attached to your profile. However, there are a few things you’ll need to be aware of:

  • @Mentions: Any @Mentions to your previous username will no longer work, so you may need to go and ask Influencers to update their posts.
  • Your Instagram URL: Your username is included in your Instagram URL. If you’re linking to your Instagram profile from anywhere else on the web, you’ll need to update this URL with your new username.
  • Your followers: Your followers may be a little confused about the new username at first. It’s best to let them know you’re changing your handle in advance.
  • Social media buttons: If you have any social media buttons on your email accounts or website, you’ll need to change where they link out to.
  • Consistency: If you’re trying to maintain the same image and brand name across multiple social media accounts, you’ll need to make some changes to other account handles.

If someone searches for your old username (provided someone else doesn’t take it), they’ll simply get the “User Not Found” screen on Instagram.

Improving Your Instagram Handle

Your Instagram handle is a huge part of your identity on Instagram, and therefore a massive branding tool in your arsenal. It’s important to choose the right name from day one, and make sure it has the right impact on your target audience. If you ever decide to change your username, be sure that you let your customers or followers know that you’re going to be updating your name in advance. 

100+ Ready-To-Use Instagram Username Ideas [Guide]

The perfect Instagram username is the right mix between creativity and simplicity.

One of the crucial components for branding your Instagram profile is your username for Instagram.

There are so many Instagram business pages and personal accounts that have already found their perfect Instagram usernames. If you want to stand out from the crowd, win the Instagram marketing game, and make it big, you should first select a winning Instagram username.

Don't know where to start? In this article, we have compiled the best tips and Instagram username ideas so that you can select the best one for your Instagram profile.

  • What Are Instagram Usernames?
  • Instagram Username Ideas
    • Cute Instagram Usernames Ideas
    • Good Instagram Usernames Ideas
    • Funny Instagram Username Ideas
    • Cool Usernames For Instagram
    • Instagram Usernames For Girls
    • Instagram Usernames For Boys
    • Instagram Usernames For Dogs
    • Instagram Usernames For Photographers
    • Baddie Instagram Usernames
    • Savage Instagram Usernames
    • Aesthetic Instagram Usernames
  • How To Choose The Perfect Instagram Username?
  • What If Your Instagram Username Is Already Taken?
  • What Not To Do When Selecting Instagram Usernames?
  • Instagram Username Not Available
  • How To Change Instagram Username?
  • Leverage Analytics To Assess The Impact Of Instagram Usernames And It's Content
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Instagram Usernames

You can directly jump to a section of your choice or keep scrolling.

What Are Instagram Usernames?

Instagram username is a name you use on Instagram to define your profile address.

Character Limit Of Instagram Usernames

The character limit of an Instagram username is 30 characters, and you cannot go more than the character limit.

Instagram Handle Vs. Instagram Username Vs. Instagram Link

An Instagram handle is your Instagram username only.

Instagram handles are also referred to as your Instagram link, which appears at the end of your profile page's address:

instagram.com/statusbrew

Hence, we can write

Instagram handle = Instagram username = Instagram link

An example of an Instagram handle is @statusbrew.

So, the next time someone asks you for your Instagram handle, simply send them your Instagram link or tell them your username for Instagram.

Either one works.

Instagram Username Vs. Instagram Display Name

Your username for Instagram and display name are two separate things. So don't confuse the two!

Your Instagram display name appears below your profile icon on mobile and to the right underneath your Instagram username on desktop. It doesn't have to be unique, and you can even add emojis or special characters to spice it up.

Instagram usernames, on the other hand, appear at the extreme top of your Instagram profile. This is your unique identifier. Special characters aren't allowed here. You can only use letters, periods, numbers, or underscores.

Instagram Username Rules

Keep the following basic Instagram username rules in mind when selecting your username.

  • Instagram usernames are not case sensitive, i.e., @STATUSBREW & @statusbrew will direct to the same place.
  • Try to avoid multiple, consecutive underscores and numbers (unless they are a part of your branding).
  • Always choose a Instagram username that's available across all desired social platforms, and utilize the same spelling and spacing on all platforms.
  • Brevity and ease of recall are most important when choosing Instagram usernames. While the coffee brand Starbucks would love to go with @YourNumber1CoffeePlace, @starbucks is definitely easier to tag.

Instagram Username Ideas

Did you get stuck choosing the perfect username while signing up for an Instagram account? Or do you want to change your current Instagram username to something else but didn't have any Instagram username ideas in your mind right now?

Here you will find over 100 username ideas for Instagram for every category:

Cute Instagram Usernames Ideas

Everyone loves cuteness. Finding a name that matches the cuteness of your Instagram content is very important. Hence, we have compiled a collection of cute Instagram usernames. Pick your own one.

  • @trueliving
  • @sleepytinker
  • @hippysunshine
  • @synchrophi
  • @bugheadlover
  • @butterscotch
  • @justthewayyouare
  • @queen
  • @missielucky
  • @angel
  • @spellbound
  • @fairyfresh
  • @freshlime
  • @pinkprank
  • @tulipwind

Good Instagram Usernames Ideas

We are always attracted by a good name in the real world, and the same is true when it comes to Instagram usernames. So here are some suggestions for good Instagram usernames ideas that can attract people's attention and get you more engagement also.

  • @born2pizza
  • @newsdeal
  • @whitestorm
  • @mouthofmexico
  • @honeystarssunshine
  • @cutesugar
  • @twinbutterfly
  • @littlegorilla
  • @pokie
  • @cutepixel
  • @stilldancer
  • @compactracer
  • @captionmaster
  • @magenta
  • @mist

Funny Instagram Username Ideas

Some humorous and funny usernames also catch a lot of eyeballs on Instagram. Here you will find our hand-picked collection of funny Instagram username ideas that you can use to get some more attention. Pick your's from the list to make your profile funnier and humorous.

  • @punchwhite
  • @handsomebanana
  • @littlepony
  • @magicpie
  • @sandsay
  • @angrycupcake
  • @awkwardcookie
  • @lipstickforever
  • @queenkong
  • @luckymouse
  • @hearthacker
  • @prettypotato
  • @hellrider
  • @makeupqueen
  • @cyberwarrior

Cool Usernames For Instagram

In a world of social media where everyone wants to look cool, making your social accounts even cooler is the need of the hour. Here's a collection of cool usernames for Instagram that you can use for your Instagram account to hook your audience with a refreshing Instagram profile.

  • @angelhearts
  • @cyberworrior
  • @beautytech
  • @gunhawk
  • @babynative
  • @peppermint
  • @crazyanyone
  • @whitehoney
  • @planetzoom
  • @redcream
  • @badcaptain
  • @riggerscoter
  • @gamertales
  • @mintandrose
  • @facer_racer

Instagram Usernames For Girls

  • @freakygirl
  • @twilightqueenbee
  • @lilcutie
  • @tragicgirl
  • @hotcupid
  • @princessfuzzie
  • @girlregnala
  • @angelsnowflakes
  • @butterscotchseven
  • @goldgrace
  • @hotbabe
  • @cutiebun
  • @rainbowsweety
  • @dazzledsweetie
  • @cupcakehugs

Instagram Usernames For Boys

  • @beanneverseen
  • @billyhills
  • @mistymoles
  • @texastiger
  • @surfingscooter
  • @farracer
  • @snakesuper
  • @looserbad
  • @bigben
  • @racerparty
  • @londonlions
  • @alienbrain
  • @liferacer
  • @gamersimmer
  • @listmist

Instagram Usernames For Dogs

  • @kittenlady
  • @luvbentley
  • @gizmosadventures
  • @zoey
  • @milomeetsworld
  • @goldenlife
  • @thechihuahuas
  • @allpaws
  • @poochventures
  • @thefavouritechase
  • @chasethetail
  • @bridger
  • @thecaninecollective
  • @superdog
  • @awaggingtail

Instagram Usernames For Photographers

  • @shutterup
  • @lensationstudio
  • @picturesque
  • @theartsylens
  • @pinupphotography
  • @mycityscapesnaps
  • @glamourshots
  • @shutterbug
  • @happylens
  • @camerabag
  • @photographicaliens
  • @photographynub
  • @magicphotography
  • @snapshotsoflife
  • @photosafari

Baddie Instagram Usernames

  • @goldgrace
  • @goldtube
  • @orangesplash
  • @elegantpoint
  • @incidentincomer
  • @metalhead
  • @thetechguy
  • @icegeek
  • @mindlesscat
  • @couchking
  • @soultaker
  • @ticklestar
  • @peacedude
  • @awesomeme
  • @bornconfused

Savage Instagram Usernames

  • @littletexas
  • @wowhow
  • @lovelydevil
  • @dramagram
  • @brainyclicks
  • @extraloud
  • @importedsense
  • @bountybanana
  • @slipping gold
  • @capitalpunch
  • @clevercalifornia
  • @silentjazz
  • @hibye
  • @wishafish
  • @bestinbad

Aesthetic Instagram Usernames

  • @caramelopcorn
  • @butterpopcorn
  • @cheesefries
  • @nutellastrawberry
  • @chocolatefudge
  • @wafflecookie
  • @funnybunny
  • @cherrycream
  • @maccheese
  • @peppercalt
  • @chunkypeanut
  • @peanutjam
  • @marshmallowhotchocolate
  • @criticcrash
  • @skywatt
  • @apenguinhope
  • @freezingslip

How To Choose The Perfect Instagram Username?

Choosing the perfect Instagram username is challenging. Some people simply don't care about their usernames for Instagram; others get too creative with it.

You will need to find the right mix between creativity and simplicity to find a perfect Instagram username. Hence, here are a couple of tips you can use to choose one.

Choose The One Related To Your Niche

You want to make your username for Instagram recognizable and relatable just from looking at it. Also, try to keep it professional and pick meaningful and easy-to-understand words.

Don't use random words because they will come off as unprofessional and might ruin your followers' image. Moreover, using words that seem meaningless in Instagram usernames shows that they don't really care about their Instagram page.

On the other hand, if you choose words that have a meaning and are related to your brand niche, it will encourage your target audience to follow you just by reading your Instagram username.

See how Tropicana, an American multinational fruit-based beverages brand, used the word "juices" in their Instagram handle.

Image Source: Tropicana Instagram

Avoid Using Extra Characters

Avoid using too many extra characters in your Instagram username, or any at all. Try to keep Instagram usernames as simple as possible. Avoid using dots, underscores, or numbers unless required.

The perfect Instagram username is a single word with no special characters.

Unfortunately, as there are over a billion Instagram accounts, most of these are already taken. However, that doesn't signify that you can't pick a good Instagram username for your brand.

When you have no other choices left but to add special characters like an underscore or a dot, try to keep them at a minimum as much as possible. Try to think out of the box whenever you think of an Instagram handle. But don't be too creative. Otherwise, you will come off as being odd.

Optimize For Instagram SEO

To make your Instagram profile easily searchable for your audience, ensure that your Instagram username is well-optimized according to the SEO rules. Here are some basic steps you should follow:

Step 1: Ensure your primary keyword is present in your Instagram username. It will make your Instagram account appear in the search results for suggested accounts when someone searches for content in your niche. For instance, if you sell cupcakes, you can include the word "bakery" in your Instagram username.

Step 2: The best Instagram usernames are distinctive, short, and easily readable. Avoid using over-complicated words. Your audience should understand what it means.

For instance, @freshbakery is a much better Instagram username than @delectablecakes. This is because people are more likely to search for the word "fresh" when it comes to cakes than "delectable."

Step 3: Avoid including any irrelevant special characters such as hashtags or emojis or any irrelevant numbers in Instagram usernames. For example, @cool$$xoxogirl might look trendy. But such Instagram usernames have the slightest chance to appear in the search results, and it also seems spammy.

Step 4: Instagram usernames should be written in the language of your target audience well within the character limit.

Match With Your Usernames On Other Social Networks

Before you finalize a particular Instagram username, check out if it is the same as your other social accounts.

Why should you follow a consistent username on all social platforms?

  • Once people have discovered you on one platform, they can easily find you on other social networks as well.
  • Your followers can share your content across all social media platforms easily by tagging you with a single username.
  • A consistent username seems professional and authentic.

Match With Your Content’s Personality And Mood

When choosing the username for Instagram for your profile, you should be widely open to brainstorming. Unleash your creativity and have some fun coming up with new ideas. Ensure that there is at least one word in your Instagram username that relates to the content you post.

For instance, see how the Instagram account that deals with Indoor plants inspiration have chosen "plantsindecor" as their username.

Image Source: PlantsInDecor Instagram

Ensure your username tells a story. For instance, @comfortingtales can be a good Instagram username for a profile that posts short stories and poetry. It is well-depicted with the words "Comforting" and "tales" that describe the vibe you can feel and get from this profile.

Make It Memorable

It doesn't matter whether you post cute animal pics or travel content; there will be thousands of similar accounts in the same niche.

Then what can differentiate your Instagram account from others apart from the content you post? It is a username that is fun and easy to remember.

For example, a beauty and cosmetics page has the Instagram username @narsissist, which is unique and resembles the "self-admiration" tone of the page.

Image Source: NARS Cosmetics Instagram

What If Your Instagram Username Is Already Taken?

In such a case, you can do the following:

Add a slight variation to your decided Instagram username, for example, underscores or dot or an extra keyword relevant to your niche.

For instance, if Reach Fitness is a popular fitness brand and the Instagram username @reachfitness is already taken, they can add the word "gym" to their username for Instagram for availability purposes.

What Not To Do When Selecting Instagram Usernames?

We have covered what to do when picking the perfect Instagram usernames. Quickly, we will go over what not to do.

Don't Spell It Wrong

Be extremely careful of typos. It will definitely ruin your brand's first impression among your followers. However, some people spell things wrong on purpose. Usually, this is because their desired Instagram usernames were already taken.

For instance, some people might choose @theartofdaancing as @theartofdancing is already taken. But, it's going to confuse people and make it hard for people to find you.

Don't Use Tons Of Numbers

It's not recommended to use numbers at all unless it's a part of your branding. If you must use numbers, don't use a long list of them.

For example, @BeautySong1281294 looks like a robot IG username rather than just @BeautySong. This is because a long; list of numbers creates mess and confusion. Of course, people will struggle to remember all those numbers!

Avoid Using Too Many Underscores

Underscores do indeed look good in Instagram usernames, especially in place of a space. For example, @qll_art and @me_and_orla use the underscore really well. It's pretty obvious that they decided to use underscores rather than resorting to Instagram usernames without them because their desired IG username was already taken.

However, Instagram usernames such as @our_adventure_is_never_over just don't look pretty with all those underscores. Plus, it's obvious they chose this because @ouradventureisneverover was already taken.

Instagram Username Not Available

When the username for Instagram you want is not available, you can add periods, numbers, underscores, or abbreviations to come up with a similar username that's not already in use. Use an Instagram username generator or choose from the username ideas for Instagram we have compiled for you later in this article.

Instagram Username Generator

The Instagram username generator allows you to generate lists of usernames made up of words picked from lists of categories. Here's a list of the top Instagram username generator:

  • Jimpix
  • Namechk
  • LingoJam
  • Names4Brands

How To Change Instagram Username?

Here are the exact steps on how to change username on Instagram:

Step 1: Open your Instagram app. Head to your profile page.
Step 2: Tap the "Edit Profile" option.
Step 3: In the "Username" section, insert the username to change your original Instagram username.
Step : Tap "Done" on iOS, hit the checkmark on Android, or click Submit on the mobile browser and computer.

If your account reaches a lot of people, your Instagram username change may need to be reviewed by Instagram. If so, you will be notified when Instagram has completed the review. If not, your username for Instagram will change immediately if it's unique, and your followers may be notified of your username change.

What Happens After You Change Your Instagram Username?

Once you change your Instagram username, your old one will now lead to a blank page. Any past mentions of your old Instagram username in captions will no longer lead to your account; this may leave some followers lost. Such people may assume that your business Instagram profile does not exist anymore, causing you to lose potential customers.

Image Source: Nike Instagram

Because of this, it is imperative to update followers of your Instagram username change on other platforms. Social media may not be the only place where this old handle resides. Ensure you tale flyers, business cards, or any other promotional material into consideration as well where your username for Instagram remains printed.

Changing your Instagram username can also negatively affect your follower count. Though it may be better to change your Instagram username for branding, users may not recognize it at first. Followers could rethink that they followed the wrong account and could unfollow you. To prevent this, ensure to keep users informed in the posts following your Instagram username change.

Create a dedicated post promoting your new username for Instagram and direct them to your other accounts!

Can You Reuse Your Previous Instagram Username?

Well, the answer is maybe.

Some previously-used Instagram usernames are never made available again. So, keep the name if you want it and do not move forward with the name change if you can't lose it.

If you decide to move forward, work on the things you can control — and not those you can't.

Image Source: Adobe Photoshop Instagram

Leverage Analytics To Assess The Impact Of Your Instagram Username And It's Content

How do you know if you are doing Instagram the right way? How do you know if your perfect Instagram username and the content on your page are working or if you are meeting your goals?

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Frequently Asked Questions About Instagram Usernames

How to get an inactive username on Instagram?

There's no way to restore a deleted account on Instagram. You can create a new account with the same email address, but you may not be able to get the same username for Instagram.

How to get a taken Instagram username?

You can claim a taken username for Instagram by asking the current owner to change their username or by reporting it to Instagram if the account is inactive.

How many times can you change your Instagram username?

You can change your Instagram username whenever you want, as many times as you wish. However, if you change your username for Instagram too often, it might signal Instagram of a bot account, resulting in your account being banned.

  • Instagram
  • Small Business
  • Social Media Analytics
  • Social Media Engagement
  • Social Media Strategy

How to come up with a nickname on Instagram in 5 minutes: ideas + 3 examples

* Meta Platforms Inc. (and its social networks Instagram, Facebook) is recognized as an extremist organization, its activities are prohibited in Russia.

In this article, we will talk about how to come up with a nickname on Instagram *. To do this, I will share tips and ideas to help you choose a unique and beautiful username for your blog, personal profile or business account in 2022.

Let's study examples of successful nicknames - foreign and Russian - consider free online nickname generators.

Contents (expand ↴)

Why do we need a beautiful and memorable nickname?

Nick on Instagram is a business card of a profile. A beautiful, concise and memorable nickname is the first step in promoting an account. If you use a keyword in your profile name - for example, you sell Ray Ban glasses - then users of the social network will find the account in the search for "Ray Ban". nine0005

Also, the nickname should reflect the subject of the profile so that Instagram users understand what your page is about.

A simple example: on a business card, in the publication feed or on a website, a person sees a link to an Instagram page with the nickname @abrakadabra23123. It is unlikely that he will go to this profile, since such a set of characters “says” that there is nothing interesting on the page.

Let's replace "gibberish" with @kino_blog. Now a person understands that this is an Instagram profile about cinema. The probability that he will go to the page increases by 2-3 times. nine0005

How to come up with a nickname: tips and ideas

Let's move on to the practical part of the article - come up with a nickname for an Instagram account. Since the blog is read by entrepreneurs, bloggers and ordinary users, let's look at the process of "generating" a username for each category of Instagram users.

The maximum nickname length is 30 characters. Only Latin (English) letters are allowed. You can add numbers and an underscore "_" if your name is already taken. You can not use third-party fonts, as in the profile header or the text under the publication. nine0005

Personal profile

Tips and advice when choosing a nickname for your personal profile:

  • Use your first and last name. For example, @vasya_pupkin. If the username is taken, then remove the underscore, add a number, or leave only the last name.
  • Please indicate your favorite activity. If you sing, then you can add the word singer to the name. Get @vasya_singer or @singer_pupkin. Similarly, use other areas of interest - drawing, writing. nine0038
  • Add a diminutive form of the name. This advice is more suitable for girls. Replace @elena with @lenochka and replace @nina with @ninochka. Add a last name, patronymic, or favorite activity to make the nickname unique.
  • Enter a city or region. Add the name of the city, town, or region where you live to the name. For example, @vasya_moskva or @evgeny_omsk. If the username is taken, then add the region number after the name of the city or town.
  • Initials. Instead of a first and last name, use initials in combination with a hobby or city: @vp_writer (writer Vasya Pupkin), ei_msk (Elena Ivanova from Moscow). To achieve uniqueness, add the first letter of the middle name to the nickname: @vip_painter (Vasily Ivanovich Pupkin, artist). nine0038
  • Transliteration. If all interesting and memorable variations of a nickname with a name, hobby and city are taken, then try transliteration. Instead of @singer, write @pevec, and instead of @writer, write @pisatel.
  • Additional letter. Add one more letter to the first or last name: @igorr_petrov or @olegg_msk. But do not overdo it - one additional letter is enough.
  • Creative with numbers. Usually people add the year of birth at the end of the nickname. But numbers can be used in a more interesting way. For example, a four can replace the letter "A" - @m4ster, @c4t. For nicknames in English - without transliteration - a part of a word can be replaced with a number. For example, the eight in the word "hater" is @h8ter. nine0038

Blog

We have sorted out our personal profile. Now let's move on to blogs and come up with a nickname for a thematic page on Instagram.

Blog Ideas and Tips:

  • Reflect the topic in the username. If the blog is about social networks, then add the word @smm or the name of a specific platform: @instagram, @vk, @ok. For example, let's take the Instagram account of this site - @smmtips_blog. The first part of the nickname indicates the name of the website, and the second part indicates the page type. nine0038
  • Professional activity. A similar item was in the section for choosing a nickname for a personal profile. But there it was called "hobby". Instead of hobbies, indicate professional activities: @designer (designer), @copywiter (copywriter). It is not necessary to indicate the profession in English - use transliteration: @stomatolog, @marketolog.

Business account

An Instagram profile is a great tool for promoting your business. A business page needs a beautiful and memorable nickname. It should reflect the activities of the company. nine0005

Tips and tricks for choosing a username for business accounts:

  • Field of activity. Indicate the field of activity in the nickname - this will make it easier for users to find you in the search. If you install plastic windows, then use @plastikovye_okna in the profile name. Similarly, choose a nickname for other areas: @shop - for a store, @hotel - for a hotel.
  • Company or brand name. Use your company name. This is a great way to increase company or brand awareness. nine0038
  • Name of the product or service. If you are selling t-shirts then use @t-shirts in the title. This also applies to the service industry - manicure masters often indicate the word @nails, and hairdressers - @hairs.
  • Enter a city or region. As in your personal profile, indicate the locality or city where the company operates. Do you install windows in Novosibirsk? Then the username @okna_novosibirsk will suit you.

Examples of successful nicknames

Let's move on to examples of successful and beautiful nicknames on Instagram. Let's look at unique nicknames for blogs, business accounts and personal pages - with explanations why this is a good username. There will be 3 examples in total. nine0005

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The first example is the Instagram profile of the online magazine T—Zh. The name of the publication is used as a nickname: @tinkoffjournal. Without additional characters and numbers - in one line. When users see a profile in their feed, subscriptions, or search, they immediately understand what the page is about: Tinkoff is a well-known Russian bank combined with the word “magazine.”

Instagram account "T-Zh"

The second example is the personal profile of the American entrepreneur @garyvee. The owner of the page is Gary Vaynerchuk. He uses his first and last name for his nickname. But his last name is complicated and long, so he just shortened it to vee. This username is much easier to remember. nine0005 Instagram page @garyvee

The third example is the page of the Littlest Pet Shop online store. The name of the store is used as a nickname. There is a trigger word "shop". When people see this profile name, they immediately understand that they sell products that are related to animals.

Online store on Instagram

Online nickname generators

Can't come up with a unique and unusual nickname for your Instagram profile? Delegate this task to artificial intelligence. To do this, use special online nickname generators. nine0107

Name Short description
MyNickname Free online nickname generator. To generate a username, specify the first letter of the nickname, the number of characters, select the generator type. You can completely trust the random.
SpinXO.com Foreign online service for generating nicknames. Enter a name, nickname or keyword and click "Spin!". The tool will offer 30 username options. nine0115
Genword.ru A simple and free online tool for generating nicknames. In the settings, select the creation option, the first letter and the language option. Specify the number of syllables. You can completely trust the random.

Conclusion

Using the recommendations from the article, you will definitely come up with an unusual and free nickname for your Instagram profile in 5-7 minutes. Tips are suitable for personal pages - it doesn’t matter if you are a guy or a girl - blogs, online stores, brand accounts. nine0005

How to choose cool Instagram usernames for girls and boys?

Instagram is one of the most popular social networks in recent times, along with Twitter and Facebook. Most social networking sites have a common denominator these days and that is adding usernames to your profile so that your account is much easier to find on the platform. Having a cool and unique username is critical to making you stand out from the rest of the users. nine0005

This may seem like a simple task, but it can quickly become overwhelming, especially with so many possible usernames to choose from. It's okay to feel like you don't know where to start, but don't worry, we're here to help you.

In this article, we will give you various tips to help you choose a cool Instagram username, whether you are a boy or a girl. By the time you've finished reading, you'll have countless ideas for your profile. nine0005

What is an Instagram username?

This may seem like basic information, but it's still worth touching on. Your Instagram username acts as a unique identifier that makes it easy for other users to find and recognize your profile. Social networking sites usually have a character limit for a username. In the case of Instagram, usernames are limited to 30 characters, and you'll see an error if you try to go any further. nine0005

Handle vs Username

Now one more thing you need to differentiate is the difference between Instagram handle and Instagram username. For other platforms, they differ from each other. But for Instagram, your username is also your ID.

So, when someone asks you what your Instagram username is, you can give them your username.

Username and display name

In addition to the username, Instagram also has a display name. New Instagram users may not know the difference, so don't confuse them. Fortunately, they are easy to distinguish. When using a mobile phone, you can find your Instagram display name under your profile photo. However, if you are using a desktop, you can find it on the right under your name. nine0005

On the other hand, you can find your username in the very top section of your profile. Unlike the display name, you cannot use emoji or special characters.

Instagram Basics

There are a few rules to keep in mind when choosing a username on Instagram.

Instagram usernames are case insensitive, which means it doesn't matter if someone's username is written in all caps or not, because that will direct you to the same profile. nine0005

Brevity is valuable when choosing a username because it is much easier to remember. After all, how can people visit your profile if they can't remember your username?

If they are not part of your brand, avoid too many underlines.

How to change your Instagram username

There are various reasons why someone might want to change their Instagram username. This may be because they want their social networks to remain the same or no longer be associated with their previous username. In any case, anyone is free to change their online identity with a username. nine0005

If you want to update your Instagram username, follow these simple steps:

  1. Launch the Instagram app on your device and go to your profile.
  2. You should see an Edit Profile option. Click on it.
  3. Enter a new username in the Username field.
  4. If you are using iOS, click Done. On the other hand, Android users can click on the checkmark to mark it as saved. If you are using a mobile browser or computer, you can click Submit. nine0038

If your Instagram account has a significant following or your reach is fairly wide, Instagram may need to review the change first before approving it.

Girl's Guide

Match the vibe of your content to your username

One of the most important parts of choosing a cool and unique username for Instagram is brainstorming. You should be ready to brainstorm and collect as much of your creativity as possible. Of course, many will find this tedious, but it's all worth it once you start playing. nine0005

One good piece of advice we can give is that you should first decide which Instagram account you want. Will you post more about your personal life, like selfies? Or will you post more about fashion, clothing, being a boss girl? There are tons of options, so you should weed through the possibilities.

Make it memorable

You may have noticed this before, but many famous Instagram accounts with a lot of commitment have cool usernames. Instagram has over a billion active users, so naturally many users will post the same content and niches. However, one thing that can make users stand out is their username. Make yourself stand out by having an unforgettable experience. nine0005

Use a username generator

It's okay if you find it too hard to figure everything out on your own. There are times when we're not creative enough to come up with just awesome usernames. Feel free to use username generator tools to help you in such cases. There are many similar tools on the Internet; you only have to look. Who knows? Ultimately, you can find a catchy and streamlined username that perfectly matches the mood of your Instagram. nine0005

Use the same username for all your social media accounts

If you have the perfect username that reflects who you are and what your Instagram account is, it's time to treat it like your brand. It's best to be consistent and use the same username across all of your social media platforms.

Why?

There are several reasons, the first being that it will be easier for people to find you on other platforms such as Twitter or TikTok. Not only that, but it allows you to showcase your creativity to the world while building your brand at the same time. nine0038

  • Cherrycola
  • basic
  • bleached beauty
  • heartless
  • kitty_bloom

    • Boys guide

    Although some may think that Instagram is not just for girls or women. The photo-sharing platform has a lot of male users, so it's understandable why boys also want to know how to choose cool Instagram usernames.

    However, here are some tips to keep in mind:

    Make it catchy

    It's extremely important to make sure your username is memorable because you want other users to remember your username quickly and easily. At the same time, a memorable username also makes it memorable, which is undoubtedly a good thing if you want to increase your social media presence.

    Choose a username that lasts

    Longevity is also a factor when choosing a username for boys. Some people prefer a username based on current trends, but we don't recommend this. Trends come and go, which means your username will become irrelevant at some point. You need a username that persists regardless of the weather. nine0005

    Avoid generic

    You should avoid boring or generic phrases or keywords to create your username. After all, the goal is to be unique and stand out from the rest.

    Simplify

    People tend to associate uniqueness with something complex. However, this is not necessarily the case. You can embrace simplicity and be unique at the same time. This is the same as the previous point, since simple usernames are easy to remember. As a result, this may lead to more people searching for and interacting with your profile. nine0005

    It must mean something

    It would be better if you chose a username that means something, something that matches the online persona you have given yourself. In other words, don't pick a random word or name that you come across.

    Examples of cool Instagram usernames for boys

    1. sunset dawn
    2. urban legend
    3. ball_warrior
    4. cyberwarrior
    5. gamer_slayer
    6. no name

      But don't worry if you experience this, because there are some things you can do to fix the situation. First, you can still use your chosen username, even if it's already in use, by adding a little variation to it.

      What exactly does this mean?

      Well, you can add an underscore to your username or another keyword that is still relevant to your brand. This way you can make your username unique even if someone else has a similar username. nine0005

      What NOT to do when choosing a username

      Now that you know how to choose or create a unique username for yourself, we have a couple of tips on what not to do.

      Too many underscores is a big no

      We mentioned earlier that you can turn on the underscore to ensure that the username you choose is accessible. However, you should not go overboard with this. Underscores can certainly highlight usernames, and if you place them correctly, you'll have a cool and unique username in your hands. However, you must also understand that there is a limit to the number of underscores you must use. nine0005

      Think of the username @your_love_is_my_drug, possibly a reference to the popular pop song Ke$ha. The username doesn't look good, and especially doesn't look professional. Also, anyone using this username only chose it because @yourloveismydrug is probably already in use.

      Typos are not cute

      You must be especially careful that your username does not contain typos. Typos won't lead to a great first impression, which is very important if you want your followers to be more engaged. However, some Instagram users intentionally misspelled their username, most likely because the correct spelling is already taken. But as far as possible, it's better not to do this, because it can be confusing. nine0005

      Don't use too many numbers

      Finally, some people use numbers instead of dots or underscores if their chosen username is already taken on Instagram. While this may work well for some users, it is generally not recommended to use numbers. However, if you wish, you must not use a long string of numbers.

      This is because having too many numbers in your username makes you look like a bot or spam account. Not only that, most people won't remember all those numbers if they try to find your profile. To repeat the previous point, you must be simpler. nine0005

      Conclusion

      If you want to stand out on Instagram, the first step is to create a unique and cool username. Whether you are a boy or a girl, you can greatly benefit from a unique username as it will help you attract more followers.

      We have discussed in detail the various tips that boys and girls should consider when choosing a cool Instagram username. To make things easier, we have also provided you with a few examples to choose from.

      Learn more