Instagram is one of the most popular social media networks among users. While it may be easy to adjust your profile picture or upload a new post, adjusting your username is yet another story. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why you may be unable to change your Instagram username and examine the solutions that are available to you.
I. What Is an Instagram Username?
Definition
An Instagram username, also known as an Instagram handle, is the online identity used by someone on Instagram, the world’s most popular social media and photo sharing application. A username functions as an identity for the account holder, allowing other Instagram users to find, follow and communicate with that user. To keep a consistent identity, the same username is used for all Instagram activities; users cannot register multiple usernames for the same account.
Importance
Choosing the right username is an important step in creating a successful account on Instagram. Usernames are often used to find content and accounts of interest, so it is important to choose a name that is memorable, recognizable and relatable to what the Instagram account is about. Additionally, since a username can be used to identify an individual online, users should avoid creating usernames that may be offensive, stigmatizing or too personal.
Length and Characters
Usernames can be up to 30 characters long and must not contain any spaces or special characters. Possible characters include:
- Letters (a-z, A-Z)
- Numbers (0-9)
- Underscores (_)
- Periods (.)
All usernames must be unique and, once set, cannot be changed.
II. Reasons Why You May Not Be Able to Change Your Instagram Username
Once an Instagram username has been set, it can be difficult to change it due to the following reasons:
- Lack of Feature: Unfortunately, Instagram does not have an option to change the username from the settings. This may be due to the fact that Instagram requires a unique username to identify its users.
- Taken Handle: Even when the user tries to find an available unique username, it is possible that another user may have already taken it. In such cases, the desired username may not be available.
- Frequent Changes: Instagram doesn’t allow too many changes to the username. Users can make only a few changes as any frequent changes are viewed as an attempt to game the system.
So, when an Instagram user desires to change the username, it is important to make sure the profile is associated with the correct username to avoid any issues associated with the change. Also, a user should have an idea of the available usernames prior to changing it.
Moreover, it is recommended that Instagram users consult with the support team regarding the available usernames and any potential issues associated with its frequent changes. This can help ensure that the desired username can be made available for the user’s account.
III. Steps for Changing Your Instagram Username
Changing your Instagram username can take mere seconds, but it requires you to take a few steps. Here’s what you need to do to get the job done:
- Step 1: Open the Instagram app and navigate to your profile.
- Step 2: Tap on the hamburger menu in the top right corner and choose “Edit Profile.”
- Step 3: Tap the box that says “Username.”
- Step 4: Type in the new username of your choosing.
Keep in mind that if the username you select for your account is already taken, Instagram would prompt you to try a different version. Usernames can contain a maximum of 30 characters and can only be made up of letters, numbers, periods, and underscores.
If you decide you regret changing your username, you have the option to revert it back to the original at any time. To do that, simply repeat the steps above, and enter your original username in the “Username” box.
IV. Potential Issues When Changing an Instagram Username
When changing an Instagram username, users should be aware of potential issues and potential mitigations. Below are some of the common issues to consider:
- Social media user confusion: Changing a username may confuse users who unintentionally visit the wrong account due to the new name, or users who do not update the new username in their contacts.
- Risk of brand confusion: Other Instagram accounts with a similar username may appear in search results, causing users to unintentionally visit the wrong brand page.
- Links and promoted posts: Both internal and external links to Instagram profiles and posts may break if the username is changed, resulting in users not able to directly access the profile.
Mitigations: Below are some of the mitigation steps you can take to manage the impact of changing an Instagram username:
- Notify followers and contacts of the new username: This will ensure users visit the right profile when searching or clicking on links.
- Run an audit of links: Failing to update any external links to the new username could cause a broken user experience. It is important to identify any links pointing to the old username and update them.
- Update promotional materials: Businesses should update any promotional materials like brochures and print materials with the new username.
- Update search engine optimization: Consider optimizing the profile with the new username, if necessary.
V. Tips for Making the Most of Your Instagram Username
Creating an effective Instagram username is essential to a successful presence on the popular social media platform. Utilizing these tips can help users maximize the potential of their username.
First, it is important to consider the length of the username. An ideal username should be fewer than 15 characters in length. Shorter usernames are easier to remember, do better in searches, and are more likely to be accepted. Additionally, having fewer characters in the username can make it easier to fit it the caption or bios of posts.
The username should also be free of special characters, such as punctuation marks or symbols. Although these may appear attractive, they can be challenging to search for as well as hard to pronounce. Therefore it is best to keep the username to a combination of letters and numbers that is easy to recognize and pronounce.
Furthermore, users should avoid any words or numbers that have other meanings in the English language. Sometimes, meaning behind the username can be taken out of context and lead to an unwanted message or meaning. Therefore, it is best to keep the username clear of any double entendres or anything that may be misconstrued.
- Keep the username fewer than 15 characters long.
- Avoid special characters, such as punctuation or symbols.
- Avoid words and numbers that have other meanings.
Be sure to remember, changing your Instagram username is not an option. However, there are many creative ways to make your Instagram account feel personal and one-of-a-kind. Consider writing an interesting bio and uploading standout photos. These thoughtful touches to your account will be the surefire way to make it stand out and make it among the millions of other accounts. With the right strategy and effort, you’ll be able to make your Instagram page stand out, no matter what your username is.
