Can You Change Your IG Username?
If you’re not feeling your IG username anymore or it’s simply time for a rebrand, you might be wondering if it’s possible to change your username on the popular social media platform. The good news is that it’s definitely possible to change your IG username, and in this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the process easy and successful. In this article, we’ll cover a step-by-step guide to changing your IG username, the pros and cons of changing your username, tips for choosing the right handle, ideas and examples for creative IG usernames, and successful rebranding examples.
How to Change Your IG Username: A Step-by-Step Guide
Changing your IG username is a relatively quick and simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process:
- Open the Instagram app on your smartphone and log in to your account.
- Tap on your profile icon to go to your profile page.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner of the screen to open your profile settings.
- Select “Settings” at the bottom of the menu.
- Choose “Account” to open your account settings.
- Select “Edit Profile” and click on the bar under “Username.”
- Enter your desired new username and tap “Done.”
- If the username you want is available, you’ll get a green check mark. Tap “Submit” to confirm your new username.
Note: You can only change your IG username once every 14 days.
The Pros and Cons of Changing Your IG Username
While changing your IG username is certainly possible, there are pros and cons associated with it. Here’s an overview of some of the factors to consider:
Pros:
- Rebranding: A new username can help you rebrand your social media presence, especially if your current username doesn’t reflect your personal or brand identity.
- Privacy: Changing your username can help you maintain your privacy on social media if you feel that your current handle is too revealing of your identity.
- Unwanted Attention: If your current username attracts unwanted attention, changing it can help mitigate any unwanted interactions or messages.
Cons:
- Losing Followers: Changing your username can disrupt your online presence and might cause some of your followers to lose track of your account if they’re not aware of the update.
- Branding Disruption: If you’re using Instagram as a brand, changing your username could disrupt the brand you’ve worked hard to establish.
- Confusion: Changing your username could cause confusion for people who are trying to find your account or tag you in a post.
If you decide to change your username, it’s important to plan ahead to try to mitigate potential negative consequences. Make sure your followers are aware of the change and think about updating your other social media handles to ensure consistency in your online presence.
What Your IG Username Says About You: Tips for Choosing the Right Handle
Your IG username is essentially your online identity, so it’s important to choose a handle that reflects who you are or what your brand is all about. Here are some tips to help you choose the right handle:
- Make it Memorable: Choose a handle that’s easy to remember so that people can find you easily.
- Be Consistent: If you’re using Instagram as a brand, make sure your username is consistent with your brand identity on other platforms.
- Keep it Simple: A simple, easy-to-pronounce username is ideal to avoid any confusion or difficulty trying to spell or pronounce your handle.
- Make it Meaningful: Your username should reflect who you are, what your interests are, or what your brand is all about. Avoid names or words that have no meaning to you.
Choosing the right handle is essential for creating a positive online presence, so take the time to think through your options before settling on one.
How to Come Up with Creative IG Usernames: Ideas and Examples
Ready to pick a new username but stuck on ideas?
- Try a Mashup: Combine two words or phrases to create something original. For example, “FitnessFridays” or “FoodieVibes.”
- Go for Wordplay: Play with puns or alliteration to make your username memorable. For example, “BakersDozen,” “BudgetBoss,” or “YogaYoda.”
- Make it Personal: Incorporate your name, nickname, or a hobby into your handle. For example, “SarahSmiles,” “JohnsJams,” or “ArtfulAli.”
- Use Emojis: Emojis can add personality and creativity to your username. Just make sure they’re relevant and not overused. For example, “🌞FunInTheSun🌞” or “🍕PizzaPrincess🍕.”
Remember, when crafting your username, it’s important to pick a handle that reflects who you are or what your brand is all about, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
IG Username Changes: A Look at Successful Rebranding Examples
Changing your IG username can be an opportunity for rebranding yourself or your brand. Here are some real-life examples of successful rebranding efforts:
- GoPro: GoPro used to be known as “Woodman Labs” before realizing that the name wasn’t reflective of the nature of the business. A simple change to “GoPro” made all the difference for this wildly successful brand.
- Marie Forleo: Marie Forleo, a popular motivational speaker and writer, changed her username from “MarieTV” to “Marie Forleo” to reflect her personal brand more accurately.
- Wendy’s: The popular fast-food chain changed its Twitter username from “@Wendys” to “@PretzelBaconLove” to promote its new pretzel bacon burger. This clever move generated a lot of social media buzz.
From these examples, it’s clear that a username change can be a successful way to rebrand your online presence. Just make sure you take the time to plan ahead to mitigate any potential negative consequences.
Conclusion
Changing your IG username might seem like a daunting task, but it’s really a quick and easy process once you know how. In this guide, we covered the steps involved in changing your username, as well as the pros and cons of doing so. We also offered tips for choosing the right handle, ideas and examples for creative IG usernames, and some successful rebranding examples.
Changing your username can be a positive step in creating a brand online, but it’s essential to plan ahead to try to mitigate any potential negative consequences.