What Is An Instagram Handle? (Plus How To Change One)
Imagine walking into a crowded room full of people.
You want to introduce yourself so that everyone remembers you. In the digital world, that room is the internet, and your introduction is your username.
Here at Socialthink, we spend a lot of time looking at what makes businesses grow online.
We specialize in social media strategy, analytics, and digging up insights that actually help companies sell more products or reach more people. We have seen thousands of profiles, and we know that the small details often make the biggest difference.
One of the most important details is your Instagram handle.
It might seem like just a word, but it is the foundation of your online identity. It is how people find you, tag you, and tell their friends about you.
If you are confused about what a handle is or how to pick a good Instagram username, you are in the right place. We wrote this guide to be super simple. We want to help you pick a name that stands out. Whether you are a content creator or running a business, your Instagram username is the first step to building a strong Instagram presence.
Ready to fix your profile?
Let’s look at the basics. And remember, if you need help tracking how your new name performs, Socialthink is here to help you measure your success.
What Exactly Is an Instagram Handle?
People often get confused between different names on their Instagram profile. Let’s clear that up.
An Instagram handle is your unique address on the app. It is the name that starts with the “@” symbol. For example, if our handle is @SocialThink, that is what you type to find us.
It is also what appears at the very top of your profile page and in the URL (the web link) of your Instagram page.
If you send someone your Instagram handle link, it usually looks like instagram.com/yourhandle. This name acts as a unique identifier.
No two people on the platform can have the exact same one. It is yours and yours alone.
When someone types in the search bar to find you, the ig handle is the primary thing Instagram looks for. It is the core of your Instagram account.
The Difference Between Your Display Name and Username
This is where many people get stuck. There are two names on your profile.
- The Username (Handle): This is the one we just talked about. It has to be unique. It appears at the top of the screen on mobile devices. It is used for logging in and tagging. It has strict rules, like a character limit (30 characters).
- The Display Name: This is your real name or your business name written in bold text right under your profile picture.
Your display name does not have to be unique. You could be “John Smith” in your display name even if there are a million other John Smiths. But your instagram username might have to be “JohnSmith_Artist_NYC” because the simple version was taken.
Think of it this way: Your display name is what you write on a name tag at a party.
Your instagram handle is your phone number—specific only to you. Both are important for search results, but the handle is the technical key to your account.
Why Your Handle Matters For SEO and Branding?
You might think, “It’s just a name, does it matter?” Yes, it matters a lot.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) sounds fancy, but it just means making it easy for search engines (like Google or Instagram’s own search) to show your profile to people.
If your handle includes relevant keywords, you are more likely to show up when people search for those terms.
For example, if you sell pizza and your handle is “BestPizzaNYC,” you are telling the Instagram app exactly what you do. When active users search for “Pizza,” your name has a better chance of popping up.
From a branding side, your handle builds brand recognition.
If your social media handle is catchy, people remember it. It creates a lasting impression. If it is a jumble of random numbers, people will forget it instantly.
A perfect Instagram handle connects your online presence across different social platforms, making you look professional and trustworthy to potential customers.
How to Choose the Perfect Instagram Handle For Your Brand?
Choosing the right username can feel like a big decision. You want something that fits you now but will still be good five years from now.
At Socialthink, we advise clients to treat their handle like a business asset. It is as important as the sign above a shop door.
Here are the best ways to pick a great way to name your account.
Keep It Short, Simple, and Spellable
The best handles are easy to read and easy to type. If you tell a friend your handle at a loud café, they should be able to type it without asking, “Wait, how do you spell that?“
Avoid long strings of numbers. “Sarah_98273_design” is hard to remember.
“DesignBySarah” is much better. You want a memorable username. The shorter it is, the less likely someone is to make a typo when searching for you.
Reflect Your Brand Identity
Your handle should match your brand identity.
If you are a serious law firm, you probably don’t want a handle like “LawyerDude123.” You want something clean like “SmithLawGroup.”
If you are a personal brand, using your own name is usually the best bet. It tells people exactly who they are following.
Your instagram profile is an extension of your personality or company values.
Consider SEO and Keywords
We mentioned this earlier, but it is worth repeating. Using relevant keywords in your handle helps people find you.
If you are a fitness coach, having “Fitness,” “Coach,” or “Fit” in your name helps. It tells the algorithm and the audience what your content is about.
When we analyze data at Socialthink, we often see that accounts with clear, descriptive names get more visitors from search than those with abstract names.
Maintaining Consistency Across Social Platforms
You should try to use the same name on all social networks. If you are @SocialThink on Instagram, you should try to be @SocialThink on Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.
This makes it easy for your target audience to follow you everywhere.
If they like your photos on Instagram, they might look for you on YouTube. If the names are different, they might give up. Consistent social profiles make you look like a pro.
Get Creative & Unique
What if your name is taken? This is where you need creative options.
You can use a play on words, but keep it readable. A unique name stands out.
Sometimes, combining two words that don’t usually go together can create a cool vibe. Just make sure it doesn’t spell anything weird when the words are smashed together!
Think Long-Term
Will you still like this name in five years? Avoid using current trends or years. A handle like “BestMarketing2024” will look old very quickly.
Also, think about your goals. If you start as a “DogWalker” but plan to open a “PetHotel” later, maybe choose a broader name like “PetCarePro” so you don’t limit yourself.
Avoid Copyright Issues & Scams
Never use another company’s trademark in your handle.
You cannot call yourself “InstagramHelper” or “NikeFanPage” without risking getting banned. Social platforms take copyright very seriously.
Also, avoid names that look like system messages, like “PasswordHelp” or “AdminSupport.”
These look like scams, and people will be afraid to click on your instagram icon.
Keep It Professional (Or Fun, Depending On Your Brand!)
This depends on your vibe. If you are an entertainer, a funny or punny name is a good instagram username. It shows your personality before anyone even sees a photo.
However, if you are a financial advisor, stick to a professional format. Your business name should instill trust. At Socialthink, we help you decide which tone fits your strategy best.
How to Change Your Instagram Handle (Step-by-Step Guide)?
Maybe you already have an account, but you hate the name. Don’t worry! You can change it. An instagram handle change is instant, but you need to be careful.
Here is how you do it.
Changing Your Username on the Mobile App
Most people use the app, so let’s start there.
- Open the instagram app on your phone.
- Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner to go to your profile page.
- Tap the button that says Edit Profile.
- Tap on the field that says Username.
- Delete your old handle and type in your new username.
- If the name is available, a green checkmark will appear.
- Tap “Done” (or the checkmark icon) in the top right corner.
That’s it! Your new handle is live immediately.
Changing Your Username on a Desktop Computer
If you prefer using a laptop, the process is similar.
- Go to Instagram.com and log in.
- Click on your profile picture or name on the left or top right.
- Click the Edit Profile button next to your name.
- Find the “Username” box.
- Erase the previous username and type the new name.
- Click “Submit” at the bottom of the page.
Essential Checks to Perform After Changing Your Handle
You are not done yet! After you change your name, you have some work to do.
- Check your links: If you have your Instagram handle link on your website, email signature, or business cards, they are now broken. The old link will not redirect to the new one. You must update them.
- Tell your followers: Post a story or a picture telling your audience, “Hey, I have a new username!” This ensures they don’t get confused and think they are following a stranger.
- Update other social profiles: Go to your other accounts and change the link or name there too.
What to Do If Your Desired Instagram Handle Is Already Taken?
This is the most annoying part of setting up a profile. You have the best Instagram name in mind, you type it in, and… “Username not available.”
Since there are billions of active users, many names are gone. But don’t give up.
Here are some Instagram username ideas to fix this.
Adding Professional Prefixes Or Suffixes (e.g., “The,” “Official”)
You can add small words to the start or end of your name. This is a very common trick.
- Prefixes: Try adding “The,” “Real,” “Im,” “Meet,” or “WeAre.” For example, if “SocialThink” was taken, we could try “WeAreSocialThink.”
- Suffixes: Try adding “Official,” “HQ,” “Co,” “Inc,” or “App.”
These additions look professional and tell people this is the real account.
Using Location Or Industry Modifiers
If you run a local business, add your city or country.
- “BakeryLondon”
- “JoeSmithPhotography”
- “YogaWithAnna”
This actually helps with SEO because it tells search engines where you are and what you do. It narrows down the competition for the name.
Should You Try to Buy an Inactive Handle?
Sometimes you see a handle that is perfect, but the account hasn’t posted since 2014. It is frustrating!
You might be tempted to message them and ask to buy it. We will talk more about this in the next section, but generally, be very careful.
Instagram can delete accounts that are sold. It is usually better to pick a slightly different, unique username than to risk your money.
Buying an Instagram Handle: Is It Worth It?
There is a “black market” for usernames. People trade best handles like they are gold. But is it a good idea for you?
Pros of Buying an Ig Handle:
- Brand Clarity: You get the exact name you want without extra words.
- Credibility: A clean name like “@ShoeStore” looks very authoritative compared to “@The_Shoe_Store_Official_1“.
- Easy to Remember: Short, clean names are the easiest for customers to recall.
Cons of Buying an Instagram Handle:
- It is Against the Rules: Instagram’s Terms of Service say you cannot buy, sell, or transfer accounts. If they catch you, they will ban the account. You lose the name and the money.
- Scams are Common: You might send money to someone, and they just block you. There is no refund button for this.
- Bad History: The account might have been used for spam before. If the account has a “bad reputation” with the algorithm, your posts might not get seen.
What’s the Verdict?
At Socialthink, we usually say no. The risk is too high.
It is better to have a creative option name like “@GetSocialThink” than to spend thousands of dollars on a name that might get banned next week.
Build your brand on the content you create, not just the name you buy. Focus on a solid social media strategy instead.
FAQ’s:
Here are some common questions we get asked about handles.
Does Changing My Instagram Handle Cause Me to Lose Followers?
Technically, no. Your followers stay connected to your account.
However, if your new name is very different, they might not recognize you in their feed and unfollow you. That is why it is important to announce the change.
Is There A Character Limit For an Instagram Handle?
Yes. The limit is 30 characters. You cannot go longer than that. But honestly, you should aim for much shorter than that. A 30-character name is very hard to read.
Can I Revert to My Old Instagram Handle If I Don’t Like the New One?
Usually, yes.
Instagram reserves your old handle for 14 days after you change it. This gives you a safety net to switch back if you made a mistake.
But after 14 days, the name is released, and anyone else can take it.
Why Does Instagram Say My Handle Is Not Available Even If the Page Doesn’t Exist?
This is frustrating! Sometimes an account is disabled or banned, but the name is still stuck in the system. Or, someone might have reserved the name but hasn’t set up the profile yet. If the instagram name checker says it is taken, you have to choose something else.
Can I Use Capital Letters In My Instagram Handle?
You can type them, yes. But Instagram handles are not case-sensitive. “@SocialThink” and “@socialthink” are the exact same place.
However, using capital letters in your profile display makes it much easier to read (like “SocialThink” vs “socialthink”). This is a good accessibility practice.
Conclusion
Your instagram handle is more than just a tag; it is the front door to your digital house. It is the first thing people see and the main way they find you.
Finding the perfect instagram username might take a little time. You might have to brainstorm username ideas, check availability, and play with extra characters or words.
But it is worth the effort to get it right. A clear, professional, and consistent name helps build trust and makes your social media strategy much more effective.
Remember to avoid complicated spellings and ensure your name matches your brand identity. Once you have secured your name, the real work begins—creating great content and engaging with your community. This is where Socialthink comes in.
We don’t just help you with names; we help you understand the data behind your posts.
We provide deep analytics and insights that help you grow. If you want to turn your new Instagram handle into a powerful business tool, we are ready to assist.
Ready to take your social media to the next level? Visit Socialthink.io today to start your journey. Let’s make your brand unforgettable.
