You may identify yourself on Instagram by using an Instagram handle, or “username,” which is the name you give to your account. In the social media landscape, your handle identifies and distinguishes you. It’s like your name in real life.
It’s critical to stand out on Instagram, which has around a billion active users. You can also use an Instagram handle to create a memorable identity for your audience. Consider it a catchy business name.
People are more likely to remember you if you have a good handle. Today, we’ll go over the fundamentals of picking an Instagram handle that will help you gain more Instagram followers.
Let’s get this party started.
What Is An Instagram Handle, And How Do I Get One?
Your Instagram username is your Instagram handle. It’s unique to you and your account, and it gives followers a sense of your personality (and identity).
Most people use something like doglover20, which is a variation of their name, their company’s name, or something related to what they’re going to share on Instagram.
When you first set up your Instagram account, you were probably asked to choose a username right away. Don’t worry if you already have an Instagram handle that you don’t like – you’re not obligated to use this one.
Later, we’ll show you how to change it. An Instagram handle is a link to your Instagram profile, similar to a phone number or website URL. You’re the only one who knows what your handle is.
If someone else wants to find and follow you on Instagram, they can do so by typing your handle into the search bar.
What Is The Importance Of An Instagram Handle?
On Instagram, your handle is how people find you. You’ll need a memorable, shareable handle to increase your chances of growing your following.
The right Instagram handle will not only make it easier for clients to find you on Instagram, but it will also help to raise brand awareness.
If your Instagram handle is your company name, for example, your followers will immediately know how to find you elsewhere online. A good Instagram handle will:
- Set you apart and define your brand.
- Make it easier for people to engage your content.
- Encourage people to @mention you on social media for word-of-mouth marketing.
- Increase brand awareness and recognition
- Give specifics about yourself and your work.
Sony, for example, uses the handle “Sony” to make it easy to find their content on Instagram. The use of the same brand name also aids customers in recognizing the account as genuine.
What Is The Best Instagram Handle To Use?
A strong Instagram handle is an important part of your digital identity. To begin, consider what kind of Instagram account you have. Is it intended for:
- If you run a business, your Instagram handle should usually be your company’s name. This will demonstrate to your customers that your account is legitimate and increase recognition.
- Use your name as your Instagram handle if you’re building a personal brand. Shorter versions, such as @GaryVee, could also be considered.
- Choose a handle that highlights what you’re going to share, like @PugLover, if you’re curating and sharing specific content on Instagram.
Here are a few more pointers to help you pick the right handle.
1. Make it simple
An Instagram handle, like a URL or a company name, should be simple to remember. Instagram’s handle limit is thirty characters, but you shouldn’t need nearly that many letters. The longer your handle, the more likely you are to misspell it or forget it. Choose something meaningful, such as your name or the name of your company, and:
- Keep it short: Wherever possible, reduce the number of extra characters without making the spelling more difficult. If you don’t have to, don’t use numbers or extra characters.
- Avoid complicated spelling: If your name is difficult to spell, consider shortening it to something like @GaryVee.
- Avoid underscores and dashes: If at all possible, avoid underscores and dashes. Your followers may forget where they should put them.
2. Make Use of Keywords
For a curation account, or if the name you would ordinarily use for your Instagram handle is already taken, you may use a term as a username. There are a few ways to do this, such as entering “vehicle” into Google and seeing what comes up.
Keep in mind that the keywords you pick should be relevant to your target audience and the material you want to post. For example, if you’re posting photographs of adorable kittens on Instagram, then @CuteKittens might be a good username.
3. Make It Stick in Your Mind
It’s not just about keeping things simple when it comes to making your Instagram handle memorable. A simple username will be easier for your followers to remember, but if you can, add some intrigue as well.
OUAI haircare, for example, didn’t just go with “OUAI” as an Instagram handle. To make the name more memorable, the company decided to play on the fact that the word “OUAI” is pronounced similarly to “way.”
The handle “TheOUAI” is more likely to stick in the minds of users right away, and it reflects the company’s personality. To demonstrate personality, use your handle name.
4. Maintain Consistency
In today’s digital world, you’re likely to have multiple social media profiles. You might even have your website where you share information about your company. Customers expect to see consistency wherever they find you online.
It’s pointless to have the Instagram handle “TheOuai” and then use a completely different name on Facebook, such as “OUAI-Haircare.” The more titles you have, the more difficult it will be for people to find you.
Ensure that your brand’s identity is maintained across all platforms.
5. Don’t Put Limits on Yourself
Finally, keep in mind that you’ll be using this Instagram account for a long time. As a result of this, you should not limit yourself to a single product or area.
The name “business shoes” can be enticing if you’ve just established a company selling shoe, but it won’t make much sense if you decide to offer other things in the future.
In contrast, if your company expands and you want to reach a worldwide audience, using a place like “NY” in your Instagram account may make it more difficult. Never lose sight of your long-term objectives.
6. Use Username Generators
After failing to come up with a good username after doing some keyword research, a username generator might be the answer.
Many of these services are available for free on Google. To find an available handle, most of them will ask you to enter a few keywords and some other information. Username Generator has created an example for you.
Tools For Generating Instagram Handles
Don’t worry if you’re having trouble deciding on an Instagram handle. There are a few “generator” tools available that can assist you in coming up with some ideas. These websites only require you to enter your nickname or name, as well as a few other details.
The following are some excellent choices:
SpinXO: Spinxon can create Instagram usernames, YouTube usernames and Gamertags for you. Just type in your name or a nickname, a few details about your interests and any keywords, and you’ll be given a slew of imaginative suggestions. Once you’ve entered your information, you may spin the “spin” button to obtain up to 30 names to pick from.
WeShare: WeShare is a solution that includes several useful creativity tools, has its own in-house team to come up with catchy Instagram usernames. All you have to do is put a few keywords into the search field to find inspiration. You may use a term, your personal name, your company name, or something else entirely. Click “Generate” after you’re finished.
Lingojam: Simple and effective, Lingojam is one of the most popular Instagram name generators. Enter a few phrases into the left panel, and you’ll be presented with a list of up to 300 random usernames.
Jimpix: If you’re looking for titles for any platform, Jimpix, an online username generator, will assist. Enter a word or name, then pick one of the 31 available categories, or choose a random category. Adding more phrases to your search can help you come up with a distinctive handle.
The Insta Username Generator (IUG): Username Generator for Instagram Handles: Insta Username Generator When you enter your keywords and names into the solution, it will either create simple suggestions for you or give an “advanced search” with additional filters and AI capabilities..
What Is The Best Way To Change Your Instagram Handle?
If you don’t like your current Instagram handle, it’s simple to change it. Before you do anything, make sure you notify your users that your username will be changing. You don’t want to lose followers due to a lack of visibility.
It’s also a good idea to create an account with your old username before switching to the new one to protect it. That profile can always be made private. Keeping your old username prevents others from snatching it and exploiting your success.
- Go to Instagram.com or log in to the app and tap on your profile to change your username.
- Click “Edit Profile” next to your username.
- The “Edit profile” option will be under your bio if you’re using the app.
- You can simply delete your old username and create a new one in the username
Check to see if the name you want is already taken. You can revert to your old username for up to 14 days if you make a mistake during the process of changing your username.
If you’re concerned about losing your Instagram verified badge, contact the Instagram Help team and let them know you’ve changed your name, so they can make sure the verification is transferred.
What Happens If You Switch Handles?
Changing your Instagram handle will not automatically delete all of your followers or photos. Rather, it simply modifies the name associated with your profile. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- You may need to ask Influencers to change their postings if they used your old username.
- Your Instagram URL: Instagram URLs include your username. Anywhere else on the web that links to your Instagram profile will need to be updated with your new username.
- Your followers: At first, your fans may be perplexed by your new username. Let them know in advance if you’re altering your username.
- Social media buttons: This will need an update to the URL of any social networking buttons you have on your emails or website.
- Consistency: Your social media accounts will need to be renamed if you want to retain a consistent image and brand name across them.
The “User Not Found” popup will appear whenever someone searches for your former Instagram username (provided no one else has claimed it).
Getting a Better Instagram Account
A key aspect of your Instagram identity and a potent branding weapon in your arsenal is the username you use on Instagram. From the beginning, it’s vital to choose the correct name and ensure that it resonates with your target audience.
In the event that you decide to alter your username, tell your customers and followers in advance.
Conclusion
Making your own Instagram handle could be the key to your success on the platform. Take your time and try combining the keywords that define your services or type of content; it’s a small but crucial step toward building a large following.
Choosing a handle can be challenging, so take your time and don’t rush it. Best of luck!