Actually, changing your Instagram username is not too tough. However, you do have related concerns that may affect your profile on the platform; in fact, such concerns arise especially when people look to rebrand, change to a professional handle, or just change in general. This walkthrough goes over everything you need to know to change your Instagram username successfully, ensuring your transition is smooth and without any negative consequences for your account.
Why Change Your Instagram Username?
There are a few important reasons why you might want to change your Instagram username before getting into the steps, so here are some of the most common:
Rebranding: If you are a businessman or an influencer, you probably want to change your username to reflect a new direction, brand identity, or niche.
Personal Preference: Sometimes people outgrow their old usernames and may want something which will stand for who they are these days.
Availability: A username that was previously unavailable becomes available, providing an opportunity to snag the perfect handle.
Once your profile grows, you may need a more mature and professional sounding username.
Regardless of the motivation behind it, the procedure for updating your username is pretty easy, but the implications of that deed need to be taken very seriously.
Things to Consider Before Updating Your Username
Before you make the switch, take into account the following factors so that the transition will not jeopardize the visibility or engagement of your account:
Brand Consistency: If you are changing the name of your account for brand reasons, then you likely have handles on the other social media sites that match. Keeping your brand identity from web to web is a matter of branding consistency .
Effect on Searchability: Probably one of the most important considerations is the impact of the username on searchability. Changing your username can temporarily drive your rank down in search results. You may notice your discoverability affected in this time until your new username becomes popular.
Link Updates : Any link pointing to your Instagram profile from any website, blog, or other social media needs to be updated as per the new username.
Followers Communication : It would be perfectly normal to inform the followers of a change. A simple post or story will alert them of what is coming and makes it unlikely that they will lose their way.
Verification and Business Accounts: If your account is verified or if it’s a business profile, Instagram may have a higher standard when updating your username. You want to make sure that your new username agrees with their community guidelines.
How to Update Your Instagram Username
You can update your Instagram username directly from the app or even from a web browser. Here are the steps on how to do it:
1. How to Change Username via Instagram Mobile App
Open your Instagram mobile app
Go to your profile icon at the bottom right on your mobile.
Tap “Edit Profile” below your bio.
Then delete what is on your “Username“ field and replace it with the new one.
Tap “Done” or the checkmark in order to save.
2. How to Change Username via Instagram on the Web
Open your Instagram log-in page from your web browser.
Tap your profile icon in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Tap “Edit Profile.”
Username. Type in a new username.
Scroll down and tap “Submit.” Your new changes are now saved.
What happens after you change your username?
After you have changed your username successfully, Instagram will instantly update your account with all the followers still connected to your profile. What’s more, you should know the following after changing your username:
Old Mentions and Tags: All mentions or tags with your old username will no longer refer to your profile. This can be very important especially if you were tagged in many posts by others.
SEO and Discoverability: As discussed above, it will take some time for your new username to regain its position in search. During this period, you may experience fluctuations in visits to your profile and engagement.
Account Security: Once you have changed your username, take some time reviewing account security, including two-factor authentication, so that account is safe.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When you change your Instagram username, avoid common mistakes that create headaches. Here’s how to avoid them:
Using a Complex Username: Although you might be attracted to something that is different, a username that is too complex can prove difficult for people to remember or spell.
Ignoring Username Length: Instagram usernames can be as long as 30 characters. However, shorter usernames are generally easier for people to remember and type. Try to make your username concise.
Forget to update links: When you are changing your username, do not forget to update all the links that point back to your Instagram profile. In fact, if you are using it in email signatures, business cards, or on your website.
Don’t notify your followers about the change: This will confuse them. Try to notify them about the new name change through a post or a story.
Misses Other Platforms: If your Instagram username is part of a bigger brand, ensure the new one is available on other platforms you will be using.
How to Choose a Suitable Username
Choosing a new username is not an easy process; this becomes even more challenging since you already have millions of other users signed up. Here are a few tips that will help you pick the best for you:
Kept Simple: One is to remember a simpler, straightforward-sounding username.
Add Keywords: Adding relevant keywords will help discover your profile
Be Consistent: Use the same or similar usernames throughout your other social media accounts.
Avoid Numbers and Symbols: These will only make it harder to memorize and less pleasing to the eye.
Think Ahead: Select a username that you won‘t mind using for a long time so you don’t have to keep changing it.
What to Do If Your Preferred Username is Already Taken
When someone else has already grabbed your preferred username, sometimes, this can be rather frustrating. Here‘s what you can do:
Try Variants: Add a dot, underscore, or abbreviate the words to make a variant of your preferred username.
Use Your Real Name: If the username is for a personal account, using your real name can be helpful because it will make people easier to find.
Check Availability Regularly: There are times when people change or delete their usernames.
Use a Keyword: Insert a keyword that includes something relevant will not only help make the username stand out, but it’ll improve searchability.
Maintaining Your Brand After the Change
Now that you’ve updated your username, maintaining your brand identity is of prime importance. Here are some strategies:
Update Your Bio: Make sure that your bio does include this update about any change in the username in case the previous one was a part of the bio text.
Consistency Across Platforms: If you‘ve changed your username on Instagram, do the same across other social media for consistency.
Promote the Change: Promote your new username on Instagram stories, posts, or even on other social media sites. This will help eliminate confusion for your followers.
Engagement Monitoring: Monitor your analytics to see if it has any effects on your engagement rates. If it’s dropping, you will be able to take steps to fix it.
Q&A
How can I permanently change my Instagram username?
To permanently change an Instagram name, find your profile then tap “Edit Profile,” insert your new username in the “Username” text box and save. Changed, that name is now free for others unless you retrieve it in time.
How can I improve my Instagram username?
Choose a name that is unique to your personal brand or business. Keep it easy to spell and remember. Avoid using numbers or special characters unless you absolutely need to. Try to keep things simple and, when possible, consistent with other social media profiles.
Why can‘t I change my name on Instagram?
Instagram may not accept your request to alter your username if the given one is already being used, or it does not comply with their policies, or if you have changed your username lately. Or, there can be some technical failure.
Can I change an IG username?
Yes, you can change the Instagram username, but it is pretty easy. All you need to do is go to your profile, click “Edit Profile,” and enter your new username.
What are good IG usernames?
A cool Instagram username can be based on your interests, name, or niche. Examples include wordplays, abbreviations, or creative combinations like “TechSavvyGal,” “TravelWithTom,” or “FoodieDreams.”
How many times can an Instagram username be changed?
There is no official limit on how many times you can change your Instagram username, but frequent changes are discouraged since they confuse your followers and affect your brand consistency.
What is a unique username?
A unique username is unique, memorable and no one else has used it on the site. Username should represent you or your brand and should certainly not use a popular or generic name
How to make my username unique?
Mix and mash two or more words together or create initials or even add a hobby or interest. Never use some overl common term and check first availability on various social networks.
How to popular my username?
You can be creative with your username, use capital letters, underscores, or periods to separate the words so that it is readable and consistent with your brand image.
What‘s a good username for girls attitude?
A good username for girls attitude can include powerful words or a phrase like BossBabe, QueenVibes, FierceLady, or ChicWarrior.
Will I lose followers when I change my Instagram username?
No, changing your username does not delete followers. Your followers stay, but it is advisable to inform them about the change so it doesn’t confuse them.
Is an Instagram ID unique?
Yes, each Instagram username is unique. The case with Instagram is that nobody can be registered by the same name there. You cannot have the same name as another user on Instagram.
How do I choose an Instagram username?
Pick a username that strongly reflects your identity or brand. Is easy to remember and fits with your overall online presence. Try not to use numbers or special characters unless you really have to.
How do I change my instagram user name?
To change your Instagram user name go to your profile, tap “Edit Profile.” Then tap the “Username” field. Enter in the new name you want for your user name.
How do I change my user name?
Open Instagram, go to your profile, tap “Edit Profile,” delete your current username, type in your new one, and save the changes .
How do I force my instagram to change my name?
In case Instagram does not allow you to alter your username, perhaps because of recent changes or because it is taken, you would have to wait a time or look for a slightly different version.
How do I change my instagram username before 14 days?
One can normally change their Instagram username more than once in 14 days, but when it becomes problematic, you might have to wait for the restriction period to get over.
How do I remove my old instagram username?
Once you change your username, your old username automatically becomes available for others to use, but you can’t delete it directly; it‘s just replaced by your new one.
How to change Instagram username in 2024?
Still, for 2024, to change your Instagram name, you just go there, tap “Edit Profile,” input your new username, and save your changes. Always keep on checking the latest updates on Instagram policies to ease the process.
Conclusion
Changing your Instagram name is a big deal that involves serious thought. Then discuss your brand, searchability and follower communications while transitioning well. Whether you are rebranding, looking to get a professional handle, or just need to start fresh, these steps and tips from the guide below will ensure that your new username works well for you in the long run. Keep checking on the performance of your account after change and keep updating your followers to keep them engaged and visible
To get more related tips regarding Instagram and other social media, visit Askfollowers.com.