Find the perfect Instagram username - [Method + Ideas]

Looking for an Instagram username? Here are 4 steps to finding a stylish username and our Instagram username ideas.

Find the perfect Instagram username - [Method + Ideas]
Emeric
Senior Content Writer @ BoostFluence

The instagram username is one of the most important elements of your Instagram profile. And if you don't know how to choose it properly, you're not alone.

Thousands of people don't know how to select it and encounter the same difficulty as you.

Today, we're giving you all the secrets about that famous Instagram username:

  • Why it's important.
  • What makes an Instagram username effective or not.
  • How to find a good username

And more. Just read on to find the username of your dreams.

What's an Instagram username and what's it for?

An Instagram username is the name a person uses to identify themselves on the Instagram social network. It is similar to a username for any other online platform, such as an e-mail address.

The Instagram username is used to log in to the platform, publish content and interact with other users. It is also used to create the profile URL, which can be shared with other users and used to direct people to the user's profile.

example instagram username

When choosing an Instagram username, users need to consider the type of content they plan to publish, as well as the impression they want to give to others. An Instagram username should be unique and memorable, without being too long or complicated.

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It's also important to make sure the username is available, as it can't be changed until 14 bears once it's been chosen. We'll take a look below at how to choose your username correctly.

The Instagram username is an important part of your instagram profile and must be chosen with care. So let's take a look together at what a good username is and how to choose it.

What's a good Instagram username?

To have a good Instagram username you need to follow certain rules. It's by following these few rules that you'll have an impactful and memorable username.

Here are the rules to follow to find a good Instagram username.

Choose a name related to your theme

Opting for a username that represents your account well is the first step to ensuring a memorable instagram name.

If your account is about soccer, include keywords related to your theme.

If you're developing a brand account, include your brand name.

And if you're developing a personality account, including your first name can make total sense.

username by theme

Don't opt for a name that's too long

Avoid Instagram names that are too long. To make your name as easy to remember, read and write as possible, avoid opting for a username that's too long and complicated.

The character limit for an Instagram username is 30 characters. If your name fits in 20 characters or less that's a good thing.

Favor clarity over length, however. There's no point in truncating the words of your username if it's no longer clear what your Instagram account is about.

Avoid including numbers

Including numbers in your Instagram username can make you stand out. However, it can also make it more complicated to read and remember.

We therefore recommend that you avoid including numbers in your username as much as possible to keep it impactful.

Choose an easy-to-read name

To make your username as impactful and memorable as possible, you should opt for an easy-to-read name.

This is closely linked to the last 2 tips. Opt for a short name with no numbers.

But that's not all. You can also:

  • Favor words in your audience's language
  • Avoid repeating letters just to have a username available (example: @americainnn_sandwich
  • Avoid strings of letters that make sense to you, but not necessarily to your audience, and are difficult to read (Example: Miguel Jones @mig_jns)
example of a good instagram username

Space the characters

Finally, it's in your best interest to simplify the reading of your username as much as possible to make it memorable. To do this, you can space the words that make up your username.

To do this, you can use the symbols "." or "_", which are the most common because they're easy to read.

So a username like this: @hotelluxeespagne

Can become: @hotel.luxe.espagne

This is much more legible and easy to remember. With a username like this, your user immediately understands what your instagram account is going to be about.

If you realize that your current name doesn't match these elements, you should revise it. Below, the benefits of changing your Instagram username.

The benefits of changing your name on Instagram

If you're wondering about the benefits of improving your username, here are a few:

  • Better branding

A better Instagram username also means taking care of your brand image (personal or corporate). If your username is polished, your visitors will take you more seriously.

  • An important positioning and news

Sometimes all it takes is a name change to get people talking about you. Imagine if a brand like macdo decided to change its name tomorrow. All the newspapers and members of their community will be talking about it all over the world. This can also work on a small scale for your account.

  • A boost for your engagement

The more visual you are, the more people will engage with you. Changing your name on Instagram can help you stand out and get better engagement from your photos, videos and other content. If your name sounds more professional, people will follow you more easily and like your content more. Which will bring you more visibility and so on.

How to find an original username in 4 steps

Want to find the right Instagram username for you and don't know how to go about it? Here's a 4-step method for you to find the perfect name for your profile quickly.

1 - Define the concept of your account

The first step is simple, but it's the most important. You need to define the theme of your account, what you're going to share.

Is your account personal, branded, themed? Will you be sharing content on a specific topic? Do you already have a format in mind?

In short, you need to know what your account is going to be about to then succeed in the second step of this process.

2 - List the lexical fields around your theme

Once you know what you're going to be talking about, you can list all the vocabulary related to your theme.

Make a list of all the words your account may inspire. You'll then use these words to come up with original and memorable Instagram usernames.

Don't hesitate to also look at what usernames similar accounts use. This can be a great source of inspiration.

Once this list is as complete as possible, you can move on to step 3. A list of 50 words related to your theme seems a minimum.

find a good Instagram username

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3 - Brainstorm to find a name

Once this list of words has been defined, it's time to imagine all the possible usernames.

Your mission in this third step is to come up with name ideas that perfectly match your profile and respect the advice given above. Namely:

  • Opt for a name that represents your Instagram profile
  • Avoid names that are too long
  • Avoid including numbers
  • Space your words
  • And opt for a name that's easy to read

This step can be long, but this is where you'll find the best ideas for your name. Don't hesitate to mix up words, use puns, use the same name structures as similar pages.

Bref let your imagination run wild.

4 - Test its availability

Finally, you'll just have to test the availability of your username to see if it's not already taken.

To do this, you can:

  • Try changing your username
  • Use the Instagram search bar to check manually
  • Or use a site such as instantusername

If your new name is available, simply change it. Otherwise, return to step 3.

Important note: you may want to develop several social networks like youtube, tiktok or others. If this is the case take the time to check that the username is available everywhere.

instantusername

Tips: update your profile after changing your name.

Once you've changed your username, we recommend that you update your entire profile. A username change is the perfect time to change, or at least check, all the information that's on your profile.

Check your profile photo, Instagram nickname, biography and call-to-actions to maximize your audience's engagement.

Tips: promote your new name

When you change your Instagram username, you may lose some followers who no longer recognize your profile.

To avoid this, you can promote your new name. You can do this by talking about it in stories, or making a dedicated post.

And even better is to ask your audience to choose the name they prefer before changing it.

Promoting your new username is a great way to keep getting your name out there and get the first feedback on it.

How to manage your followers when you change your name

If you change your Instagram name, you can expect your follower count to change too. It's important to manage your new followers when you change your name on Instagram.

It's best to simply unfollow all your new followers and only follow the accounts you want to follow. You want to do this as soon as you change your name on Instagram. You can never go back. They'll follow you even after you delete their account.

How to avoid common name change mistakes

instagram username error

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when changing your Instagram name. Here are a few:

  • Make sure you've read and followed all the steps above.
  • Change your name on all the Instagram accounts you own, not just one
  • This will help you stand out better and get more Instagram followers overall.
  • Make sure your new name is visually balanced
  • This is especially important if you have several social networks under the same name.
  • Don't forget that'Instagram is a visual platform, so your username should reflect your visual identity.

FAQ on Instagram username

Difference between Instagram username and nickname

It's common to confuse username and Instagram nickname. Here's the difference.

Your username is unique; no one else will have the same one on the network. It's used to differentiate you from all the other accounts.

Your nickname is totally usable by several people. It can include spaces, emojis and special characters. It is used to facilitate your referencing on the network.

How do I proceed if my name is already taken?

If your name is already taken, you'll need to change it. It's impossible to have the same two usernames on Instagram.

Can I change my username later?

Yes absolutely, you don't have to have a perfect username from the moment you launch your Instagram profile. Your username can be changed whenever you want.

How to change your Instagram username?

If you want to change your username, we recommend you follow this dedicated article: how to change your Instagram username.

Conclusion

You now know everything there is to know about Instagram usernames. It's up to you to choose the best name to attract more visitors and engage them as much as possible.

You know what rules to apply and how to find a good username so it's up to you.

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