What Is an Instagram Handle and How to Change Your Instagram Username: Step-by-Step Guide

An Instagram handle is your unique username on the platform, used to identify and differentiate your Instagram account from others. Whether you’re setting up a new Instagram handle for a personal account or managing a brand name, choosing the right handle is crucial to building your social media presence. Your Instagram handle plays a big role in your Instagram profile, and changing it is sometimes necessary to keep up with evolving personal or business branding. This article will walk you through the importance of an Instagram handle, how to change your Instagram handle, and provide username ideas to ensure you’re choosing the best Instagram handle for your Instagram account.

What Is an Instagram Handle?

An Instagram handle is your unique identifier on the platform, often referred to as your Instagram username. It’s the name that appears after the “@” symbol on your Instagram profile and in the Instagram URL (e.g., www.instagram.com/**yourhandle**). Your handle plays an important role in how people can find your Instagram account, tag you in posts, and connect with you on the platform. Whether for a personal page or a business name, your handle represents you on Instagram.

Your Instagram handle is your username that distinguishes your profile from the millions of Instagram users out there. Choosing the right one is key to building your social media presence and making it easy for others to locate and engage with your account.

Types of Instagram Handles

There are various types of Instagram handles, depending on the purpose of your account. A personal account often uses simple usernames based on a person’s name, nickname, or interests. These handles are usually less formal, but still, they need to be memorable and easy to search for in the Instagram app.

For businesses, handles often reflect the brand name or services offered. A business name might include keywords related to the industry to help attract the right audience. For instance, a food blog might have a handle like “@deliciousrecipes”, which reflects the nature of the account and helps users know what to expect.

Some users also create fun, quirky, or themed handles based on trends or creative wordplay, which are popular on Instagram’s social media platforms. However, it’s always important to keep the handle relevant and easy to remember.

When I first started my Instagram account, I used a handle that was casual and fun. However, as I began to focus more on building a personal brand, I realized my original handle no longer reflected my goals. I decided to change it to something more professional that incorporated my name and industry. After doing some research on username ideas, I settled on a handle that better represented my work as a digital marketer. This small change had a big impact—I noticed an immediate increase in engagement and new followers, as my handle made my account easier to find in Instagram search results.

How to Create an Instagram Handle

Creating an Instagram handle is a simple process but requires some thought. When setting up a new account or changing your Instagram handle, follow these tips:

1. Make It Unique: Your handle must be different from every other handle on Instagram, so be sure to check availability on the platform. Handles can only contain letters, numbers, periods, or underscores.
2. Keep It Simple and Memorable: Whether it’s a personal Instagram account or a brand name, choose a handle that is easy to spell, remember, and search for. Complicated or overly long handles can make it hard for Instagram users to find you.
3. Reflect Your Purpose: For personal accounts, use your name or something that reflects your personality. For business accounts, try to include elements of your brand or industry.
4. Avoid Special Characters: Except for periods or underscores, avoid using special characters. They can make your handle harder to find in searches or type into the Instagram app.

Once you’ve decided on a new Instagram handle, enter it into the username field in your Instagram settings. If you ever want to change it, the platform allows you to change your handle as long as it’s available.

How to Change Your Instagram Username

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Your Username

Changing your Instagram username is a simple process that can be done directly from the Instagram app or website. Whether you’re switching to a new username to reflect a personal rebrand or for other reasons, follow these steps to easily make the change:

1. Open Instagram: Launch the app on your mobile device or go to the website and log in.
2. Go to Your Profile: Tap your profile icon at the bottom right of the app or click it in the top right corner if using a browser.
3. Edit Profile: Once you’re on your Instagram profile, select the “Edit Profile” button, which will allow you to make changes to your account details.
4. Change Your Username: In the username field, delete your current handle and type in your new handle. Make sure it’s unique and relevant to your social media presence. Instagram will check if the username is available or already taken.
5. Save the Changes: After choosing your new username, tap “Done” or “Save” to finalize the change. Your Instagram page will now reflect the updated handle.

Once your username change is successful, your old handle becomes available to others. However, if you change your mind, Instagram allows you to revert back to your previous username within 14 days, as long as it’s still available.

I used to have a very common Instagram handle that included my first name and a few random numbers. This made it difficult for people to find me unless they knew exactly how to spell it. When I switched to a more unique handle that represented my niche—fitness—I found it much easier to build a loyal following. More people were able to locate my account using Instagram’s search feature, and I felt like my new handle helped set me apart from the many Instagram users in my field.

Change Your Instagram Handle Using the App

If you’re specifically using the Instagram app to make the change, the process is even easier with mobile-friendly navigation. After navigating to your profile and tapping Edit Profile, the app allows you to quickly change your Instagram handle by typing a new handle directly into the username field. This is helpful for people managing their profiles on the go, whether for personal use or business purposes.

The IG app is also the most convenient way to update your Instagram bio, display name, and profile information along with your new username.

Changing your handle will immediately update the Instagram link (URL) associated with your profile, so be sure to share your new Instagram handle with your followers to keep them connected.

According to recent reports, Instagram reached over 2.35 billion active users in 2023, solidifying its position as one of the leading social media platforms worldwide. This massive user base highlights the importance of having a unique and easily searchable Instagram handle to stand out among the competition.

Tips for Choosing the Best Instagram Username

Your Instagram username is crucial for establishing your identity or brand on the platform. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you choose the best Instagram handle that is both memorable and functional for your audience.

Username Ideas for Instagram

Finding the perfect Instagram username can be challenging, but these tips can help you brainstorm:

1. Keep it Simple and Short: A short, easy-to-remember handle is best for visibility and ease of use. Avoid complex words or long strings of numbers, as they may make it difficult for others to remember or type correctly.
2. Incorporate Keywords: If you have a niche or a specific area of focus, consider incorporating relevant keywords into your handle. For example, if you’re a fitness enthusiast, adding “fit” or “health” to your Instagram handle can make it more relevant and discoverable.
3. Use Your Name or Brand Name: For personal profiles, using your first or last name helps make the handle more authentic. If you’re managing a business or brand, try to keep the name consistent across different social media platforms.
4. Check Availability: Ensure your desired username is available not only on Instagram but also on other platforms if you’re aiming for consistency. Many Instagram users prefer having the same handle across multiple platforms.
5. Get Creative: If your ideal handle is taken, try adding words that describe you, your hobby, or your industry. You can also use periods or underscores to separate words. For example, “alex_photography” or “great.foodie” are creative ways to craft a handle when your first choice is unavailable.

Free Instagram Username Suggestions

Looking for inspiration? Here are a few username ideas that you can use or adapt based on your niche:

• TechSavvyTrends
• FitLifestyleGoals
• CreativeVibesOnly
• WanderlustAdventures
• DeliciouslyVegan

When brainstorming, keep in mind that a good handle reflects both who you are and how you want others to find you. Using keywords related to your content will make your Instagram profile more searchable, boosting your social media presence.

How Your Instagram Handle Impacts Your Profile

Your Instagram handle is one of the most visible elements of your profile. It affects how users interact with your account and contributes to your overall social media presence. Here’s how a strong handle can make a difference:

The Importance of a Good Instagram Bio

Your Instagram bio is directly tied to your handle, working together to give visitors a clear understanding of who you are or what your brand represents. A well-crafted bio alongside a relevant handle makes it easier for Instagram users to connect with your profile and engage with your content.

For example, a clear and relevant handle such as @plantbasedrecipes makes it instantly apparent what type of content a visitor can expect, and the accompanying bio can provide more details, such as your website link, contact information, or additional keywords that define your profile.

If you’re managing a personal Instagram account, including your handle and display name in your bio can make it even more recognizable. A good bio and handle together are essential for drawing in new followers, encouraging engagement, and establishing a distinct social media presence.

Advertising Your Instagram with the Right Username

A strong handle can help with marketing and branding, especially if you’re trying to promote your Instagram account across various platforms. When sharing your Instagram link on other social media platforms or websites, a clear and professional username builds trust and recognition.

If you’re running a business, advertising your Instagram profile with a handle that reflects your name makes it easier for potential customers to find and follow you. It also ensures consistency when you’re promoting your Instagram page alongside your other social media platforms, which can boost your overall online presence.

The right handle will also make it simpler for users to remember and locate your account through Instagram search. By ensuring your handle is easy to spell, relevant to your niche, and consistent across other platforms, you make your profile much more accessible and searchable.

In 2023, it was reported that 90% of Instagram users follow at least one business account, and brands saw an average 1.16% engagement rate per post, which is higher than most other social media platforms. This data emphasizes the importance of choosing the right Instagram handle and username for your brand to attract and retain followers. Source.

Conclusion

Your Instagram handle is a key component of your social media presence, whether you’re managing a personal account or representing a brand name. It’s how others discover, connect, and interact with your profile. Choosing the right handle requires thoughtfulness, from reflecting your identity or brand to ensuring it’s easy for others to find and remember. Changing your handle is a simple process, but it’s essential to notify your followers and update any links to your Instagram page after making the switch. By understanding how to choose and manage your Instagram username, you can create a stronger connection with your audience and grow your online presence.

In 2023, Nike conducted a successful rebranding campaign, during which they emphasized the importance of simplifying their Instagram handle for easier searchability. By aligning their handle across all social platforms to @Nike, they created a consistent brand identity, which significantly improved their social media engagement rates and cross-platform discoverability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are Some Tips for Creating a Unique Instagram Handle for My Brand?

When creating an Instagram handle for your brand, follow these tips:

• Keep it simple and memorable.
• Reflect your brand: Include your brand name or relevant industry keywords.
• Check availability on Instagram: Make sure your desired handle isn’t already taken.
• Use consistent usernames across platforms to keep your online presence cohesive.
• Avoid special characters, except for periods or underscores, to make it easier for others to find and tag your account.

How Can I Find My Instagram Profile URL?

To find your IG profile URL, simply add your Instagram handle at the end of the main Instagram URL. For example, if your handle is @username, your profile URL would be www.instagram.com/username. You can share this link on other social media platforms or websites to direct people to your profile.

What Are the Best Ways to Come Up with Username Ideas for Instagram?

Coming up with a username for Instagram can be challenging. Here are some tips to help:

• Use keywords related to your interests, niche, or profession.
• Combine your name with hobbies or characteristics, such as “AlexTravels” or “FitSarah.”
• Use a mix of letters and numbers if your preferred handle is taken.
• Ensure it’s easy to spell and remember.
• Consider using underscores or periods to separate words in your username for clarity.

Can I Use My Old Username After Changing It on Instagram?

If you’ve recently changed your Instagram username, you have up to 14 days to change it back to your old username if it’s still available. After this time, your old handle might be claimed by another user, making it inaccessible to you.

What Should I Do If My Desired Instagram Username Is Taken?

If the handle you want is already in use, try the following:

• Add underscores, periods, or numbers to your desired username (e.g., @johndoe_123).
• Incorporate relevant words to the username like your profession, location, or niche (e.g., @johnphotographer or @johnnyNYC).
• Try different variations until you find an available username that still reflects your identity or brand.

Author Bio