The Perfect Instagram Username (Best Ideas For This Year)

Your Instagram username is a crucial component in branding your profile, so it’s important to choose one that’s memorable and easy to find.

Finding an available Instagram username can be tough, especially since more people are using the platform to search for brands and products.

To stand out from the crowd and win the Instagram marketing game, you need to select a winning Instagram username.

With so many business pages and personal accounts on Instagram, it’s essential to choose a unique and attention-grabbing username to make your account more noticeable.

But where do you start? Look no further, as we’ve compiled the best tips and Instagram username ideas to help you choose the perfect username for your profile or brand.

Understanding Instagram Usernames

What Are Instagram Usernames?

Your Instagram username is essentially your online identity on Instagram, providing a unique address to your profile.

You’re limited to a maximum of 30 characters, so keep that in mind when choosing a name.

What Are Instagram Handles And Instagram Links?

An Instagram handle is simply your username on the platform.

It is also referred to as an Instagram link since it is included at the end of your profile’s web address, like this: instagram.com/cristiano

So, to clarify, an Instagram handle, username, and link all refer to the same thing.

For instance, @cristiano is an example of an Instagram handle.

So, the next time someone asks for your Instagram handle, feel free to share either your link or username.

What Are Instagram Display Names?

It’s important not to confuse your Instagram display name with your username!

On mobile devices, your display name appears below your profile image, and on desktop, it appears to the right of your username.

The display name doesn’t need to be unique, and you can use emojis or special characters to make it more eye-catching.

On the other hand, your username appears at the top of your profile and is your unique identifier on the platform. It’s restricted to letters, numbers, periods, or underscores. Special characters aren’t allowed here.

Why Instagram Usernames Are Important

Selecting the perfect Instagram username may seem like a small task, but it can make a big impact on your brand identity. Your username is the first impression people get of your mission and can set the tone for your entire profile.

In addition, your username is the easiest way for people to find your brand on Instagram. Your Instagram profile is your brand’s new homepage, so if your username is forgettable or difficult to spell, it can harm your social media marketing strategy.

Instagram Username Rules

To choose the best Instagram username, keep these basic rules in mind:

• Ensure your username is available on all desired social platforms, and use the same spelling and spacing on each platform.
• Avoid using multiple consecutive underscores or numbers unless they are part of your branding.
• Choose a username that is brief and easy to remember. 
• Instagram usernames are not case-sensitive, for example, @cristiano and @Cristiano will lead to the same profile.

How To Choose The Perfect Instagram Username?

Choosing the ideal Instagram username can be a daunting task. While some individuals ignore their Instagram usernames, others can be overly creative with them.

To select the perfect Instagram username, you need to strike a balance between simplicity and creativity. Therefore, below are some tips you can use to choose the right one.

Create a Memorable Username

When it comes to your Instagram username, it’s essential to make it memorable.

Memorable usernames are easier to search for and can directly impact your engagement levels and follower count.

One way to create a memorable Instagram username is to use a playful phrase or wordplay.

Ensure It’s Easy to Spell

Instagram usernames can consist of letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. However, you may want to avoid using them all.

The simpler your username is to spell, the easier it is to search.

Therefore, it’s worthwhile to keep your username free of complex words and complicated combinations.

If you’re unsure, share your Instagram username idea with a colleague and ask them to write it down a few minutes later. If they make any spelling errors, you may need to reconsider your username.

Showcase Your Brand’s Value

Optimize your Instagram username to make it easily searchable for your target audience.

Given the over 1 billion active users on the platform, it may be tough to find an available username that matches your brand name.

However, this is an opportunity to include a relevant keyword that represents your brand’s values, products, or services.

This simple trick will reinforce your brand’s identity and enhance your chances of being discovered through relevant keyword searches.

Maintain Consistency Across All Social Platforms

Before finalizing your Instagram username, ensure that it’s available on other social media platforms that you plan to use to promote your brand.

Consistent usernames give a professional look and make it easy for your followers to find and connect with you across all channels. By using the same username on multiple platforms, your subscribers can easily search and find your profile on Instagram.

Keep in mind that while Instagram usernames have a 30-character limit, other platforms may have different limitations. 

Consider Long-term Business Goals

While highlighting your brand’s offerings in your Instagram username, keep your long-term business goals in mind.

If you plan to expand your product range in the future, avoid limiting yourself by choosing a username that’s specific to a single product. Instead, opt for more generic terms that allow you to grow in the direction you want.

This foresight can save you from a rebrand in the future, which can negatively impact your discoverability and engagement levels.

What if Your Instagram Username is Already Taken?

Snagging your desired Instagram username can be quite a challenge, even if the account is inactive. Here are a few workarounds:

Contact the account holder: You can try reaching out to the account holder via DM or email (if available in their bio) to see if they’re willing to give up the username.

Register a trademark: Registering a trademark can help you stake your claim to the username, but it’s a time-consuming and pricey process that may not guarantee success.

Get creative: Consider using a slight variation of your desired username. You could use an underscore, a relevant location, or a keyword from your industry.

If you’re concerned that a variation of your username will negatively affect your discoverability, you can use your display name to help you get found.

Instagram uses your display name when someone searches for a keyword, hashtag, or username, so it’s important to make the most of this feature. Unlike your username, you can change your display name as often as you want.

To increase your chances of being found, use words that your target audience is most likely to search for, such as your full brand name or product offering. Avoid using special characters or spaced capital letters as they may hinder your discoverability.

How To Change Instagram Username?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to switch up your Instagram username

• Step 1: Open the Instagram app and navigate to your profile page.
• Step 2: Select “Edit Profile” to access your account information.
• Step 3: In the “Username” field, enter your desired new username.
• Step 4: On iOS, click “Done”. On Android, click the checkmark. On the mobile browser and computer, click “Submit”.

If your account has a significant following, your new username may need to undergo review by Instagram. You’ll be notified once this process is complete. If not, your new username will be implemented immediately, provided it’s unique. Your followers might also receive a notification of your username change.

Keep in mind these best practices when changing your Instagram username:

• Secure your old username quickly to prevent impersonation.
• Update your social links as soon as possible to avoid 404 errors.
• Protect your verification badge by contacting the Instagram Help Center and requesting an update to your username.
• Let your followers know about the change through Instagram Stories or a feed post.

Choose the Perfect Instagram Username for Your Brand

Choosing the right Instagram username is crucial to the success of your social media marketing efforts.

Take the first step towards building a strong online presence and attracting more followers by selecting the perfect username today.

Start building your brand and driving engagement on Instagram!