Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users. As an individual or business, having an easy-to-remember and searchable username is important for building your brand and connecting with your target audience. However, you may want to change your username for various reasons – a rebrand, gaining more traction, or just wanting a fresh start.
Changing your Instagram username is a simple process, but there are some key things you need to consider beforehand. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about changing your public username on Instagram, from understanding the implications to step-by-step instructions.
Table of Contents
Why You Might Want to Change Your Username
Here are some of the most common reasons people change their Instagram username:
- Rebranding or pivoting your brand: As your business evolves, you may want your username to reflect new offerings, products, or services.
- Gaining more traction: Your current username might be difficult to find or spell. A new one could be more searchable.
- Starting fresh: If you don’t post much, have low followers, or want to reinvent your presence, a new username can signify a fresh start.
- Consistency with other platforms: Having the same username across multiple platforms makes you more searchable and recognizable.
- Personal preference: You may have simply outgrown your old username or want to try something new.
Implications of Changing Your Username
While changing your username is easy, there are some important implications to consider beforehand:
Losing followers
Some followers may not recognize your new username at first and unfollow you. Promoting the change on your profile and posts can minimize this.
Broken links
Any links directing users to your old username will break. You’ll need to update links on your website, other social platforms, marketing materials, etc.
SEO impacts
Your posts and account may be less searchable temporarily until search engines index the new username. Maintaining keywords can help minimize this.
Analytics reset
Instagram will reset some analytics, like your weekly follower growth. So you’ll lose historical data tied solely to your old username.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your Username
Once you’ve weighed the implications, here is how to change your Instagram username in just a few simple steps:
On Mobile
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile tab
- Tap ???Edit Profile???
- Tap the ???Username??? field, delete your current username, and enter your new desired username
- Tap ???Done??? in the top right corner to save changes
On Desktop
- Go to instagram.com and login to your account
- Click your profile icon in the top right and select ???Edit Profile???
- In the username field, delete your current username and type your new one
- Scroll down and click ???Submit??? to confirm changes
Once you hit ???Done??? or ???Submit???, Instagram will let you know if your new username is available. If so, your username will instantly change across Instagram. If not, you???ll have to choose another variation until you find one that???s unique.
Tips for Changing Your Username Successfully
Follow these tips to ensure changing your Instagram username is a smooth process:
- Check username availability before committing to a change to avoid frustration if it’s taken.
- Keep it simple and consistent: A username that’s easy to spell or remember and matches your other social handles is best.
- Use a username generator tool to find viable, available options combining keywords.
- Promote the change by announcing it on your Instagram profile and stories beforehand so followers know it’s coming.
- Update links on your website, emails, marketing materials, etc to redirect followers to your new profile.
- Maintain keywords related to your brand or niche in the new username to retain searchability.
- Leverage analytics to compare reach and engagement before and after the change. Address any dips that occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Instagram username back to a previous one?
Yes, you can change back to a previous username within 14 days as long as it hasn???t been claimed by another account. After 14 days, there is no guarantee your old username will be available to switch back to.
How many times can I change my Instagram username?
You can change your Instagram username twice within a 14 day period. After you hit the limit, you have to wait 14 days before changing your username again.
What happens to my old Instagram username?
Your old username will be released into Instagram’s public directory. If it hasn’t been taken by a new account, it will be available for anyone to claim on a first come, first served basis.
Can someone impersonate me with my old username?
Potentially yes. Once released, anyone can claim your old username if you do not try to secure it yourself. This opens the door for impersonation risks if someone were to present themselves as you.
What if my desired username isn’t available?
If your desired username is taken, get creative with variations. Try adding extra numbers, dashes, periods or underscores. Or use a username generator tool to help find viable alternatives. Check them in real time by tapping ???Done??? to see if available.
Key Takeaways
Changing your Instagram username is simple, but should not be taken lightly. Consider the implications, check availability in advance, promote the change, and keep your username consistent, simple, and search-friendly.
With over 1 billion monthly users, Instagram is too big of an opportunity to neglect. So whether you want to reinvent your personal profile or business, adjusting your username can help. Just follow our guide, and you???ll change your public username successfully while retaining your hard-earned following.
