Here is a 2500+ word blog post on "instagram handles":
Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users. A key part of your Instagram presence is your Instagram handle – the unique username that identifies your account.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about Instagram handles, including:
- What is an Instagram handle?
- How to choose the best Instagram handle
- Tips for creating a memorable Instagram handle
- How to change your Instagram handle
- Do Instagram handles really matter?
- Should you use the same handle across platforms?
Let‘s get started!
What is an Instagram Handle?
Your Instagram handle is the unique username for your Instagram account. It‘s what people use to find and identify your profile on the platform.
For example, popular singer Selena Gomez uses the handle "@selenagomez" on Instagram.
When people search for "selenagomez" on Instagram or enter instagram.com/selenagomez into their browser, it takes them directly to her profile.
So in simple terms, your Instagram handle functions as your account‘s personalized web address. It allows people to easily find and connect with you on Instagram.
How to Choose the Best Instagram Handle
Choosing the right Instagram handle is important for building your brand and getting discovered by new followers. Here are some tips on picking the best username for your needs:
Use Your Real Name or Brand Name
Using some form of your actual name or brand name is the most straightforward option. That way people can easily associate the account with you or your company.
For personal profiles, your first or last name tends to work best. For businesses, incorporating your brand name is ideal.
Some examples:
- @cristiano – Soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo
- @nike – Nike brand account
- @selenagomez – Singer/actress Selena Gomez
The advantage of using your real name or brand is that you become more searchable on Instagram. People already know you by that name, so they can easily find your handle.
Shorten Your Name
You can also shorten your name or brand name to create a catchier, easier to remember handle.
For example, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk goes by "@garyvee" on Instagram. This condenses his longer last name for simplicity.
Some more examples:
- @taylorswift – Taylor Swift
- @espn – ESPN (Entertainment and Sports Programming Network)
- @wweromanreigns – WWE wrestler Roman Reigns
Shortening your name gives you more flexibility in finding an available handle while still retaining recognizability.
Incorporate Keywords
Adding niche-related keywords into your handle can make you more discoverable on Instagram around specific topics.
For example, NASA uses the handle "@nasa" on their main account. But they also run "@nasaearth" for earth science images and "@nasajpl" for content related specifically to their Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The key is choosing keywords strategically. Don‘t just throw words together randomly. Make sure they relate clearly to your brand and content focus.
Reflect Your Personality or Philosophy
Your Instagram handle presents an opportunity to showcase your personality or principles.
Stand-up comedian Trevor Noah operates "@trevornoah" as his official account. But he also uses "@trevornoahx100" to share more personal behind-the-scenes moments.
So think about words or phrases that authentically symbolize who you are or what you stand for. Then try integrating them creatively into your username.
Use an Instagram Handle Generator
If you‘re struggling to come up with good name ideas, an Instagram handle generator tool can provide suggestions:
- Jimpix – Enter a keyword and customize options to generate relevant handles. You can also instantly check availability on Instagram.
- LingoJam – Simply enter a keyword and get username recommendations based around it.
- NameStation – Input your name, business name or keywords to get suitable Instagram handle proposals.
These generators provide a starting point, but make sure to choose one that genuinely represents you in the end.
Tips for Creating a Memorable Instagram Handle
Beyond choosing a handle that‘s identifiable and on-brand, you also want it to be memorable. Here are some tips:
Be Short and Simple
Keep your handle as short and simple as possible. Extremely lengthy or complex usernames are harder to recall.
For example, nail artist "@nail_sunny" is more concise and memorable than something like "@awesome_nail_art_by_sunny_lee".
Use Creative Spellings
Alternate spellings or phonetic misspellings can make your handle stand out too. Like how YouTuber David Dobrik uses "@daviddobrik".
Some other examples:
- @xtina – Christina Aguilera
- @blakeell99 – Blake Lively
Just don‘t make it overly confusing. It still needs to be intuitively obvious how your name sounds.
Incorporate Alliteration
Handles with alliterative appeal flow off the tongue. Like actress and UNICEF ambassador Millie Bobby Brown with "@milliebobbybrown".
The repetition of the "M" and "B" sounds makes her username catchy and fun to say.
See if you can work some alliteration into your own Instagram handle.
Mix and Match Words Creatively
Merging words together into blended or hybrid terms can also yield memorable results.
For example, entrepreneur and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban mashed up his first and last name to devise "@mcuban". This fuses the "M" from Mark and "Cuban" into a unique creation.
So get creative combining fragments of words important to your brand identity. The more inventive, the better chance it sticks in people‘s minds.
How to Change Your Instagram Handle
What if you set up your Instagram account years ago but now want update your aging username? Here‘s how to change your Instagram handle:
- Go to your profile page
- Tap "Edit Profile" in the top right
- Enter your new desired Instagram handle in the "Username" field
- Hit "Submit" to complete the change
It only takes seconds!
However, note that you only have a 14-day grace period to change back to your previous username if you want. After 14 days, your old handle becomes available for anyone to claim.
Instagram also reserves the right to deny or review certain handle change requests:
- To prevent fraud, spam or impersonation
- If your account has a massive amount of followers
In most cases though, updating your username is a quick and painless process.
Do Instagram Handles Really Matter?
With Instagram growing increasingly competitive, is it worth sweating over your exact handle?
The short answer – yes, Instagram handles definitely still matter, especially for brands.
Here are two key reasons why:
Enhances Search and Discovery
As outlined above, using some form of your real name or brand name makes it easier for people to discover your Instagram presence.
Internet users will directly search names of brands, celebrities and influencers. So using an identifiable handle improves your searchability.
This leads to more profile views, follows and engagement over time.
Strengthens Brand Identity
Your Instagram handle also contributes to overall brand identity and recognition.
Just like a strong company website domain name, it provides a consistent branded title across the social web.
That consistent online presence across multiple touchpoints amplifies awareness of who you are amongst followers.
Now some hugely popular figures do succeed with random handles. For example, musician Post Malone uses "@postmalone" instead of his real name.
But ascending to celebrity status allows you to override the need for an identifiable handle. The average user still trying to grow their platform does not have this luxury.
Should You Use the Same Handle Across Social Platforms?
Should your Instagram handle perfectly match the usernames you use on other sites like Facebook and Twitter?
Having an identical handle everywhere isn‘t absolutely necessary, but it does maximize the branding and convenience benefits discussed above.
Here are a few reasons why consistent handles across platforms tend to work best:
Simplifies Cross-Promotion
If all your social media handles coincide, cross-promoting your Instagram within your other channels gets easier.
For example, your YouTube or podcast fans only need to remember one username to find your Instagram rather than separate ones for each site.
You can condense call-outs across networks to a single cleaner "Follow me @xyz on Instagram!" rather than cluttering it with different handles.
Prevents Duplicate Accounts
Using fragmented usernames also means scrambling when that handle gets taken on a particular platform.
Let‘s say your Twitter is "@johnsmith" but someone already took that on Instagram. Now you have to resort to "@john_smith" or some other variation instead.
When all your accounts share one unified handle everywhere, you secure the consistency and don‘t have to deal with handle fragmentation.
Looks More Professional
Recycling the same handle also signals that you‘re an established brand with a thoughtfully managed multi-channel presence rather than just a random person posting inconsistently.
In other words, matching usernames demonstrate a higher degree of social media sophistication.
Key Takeaways
Your Instagram handle makes a first impression on visitors about you and your brand. Memorable and identifiable usernames also help attract more profile views plus followers.
Keep these core tips in mind when creating or refining your Instagram handle:
- Incorporate your real name, brand name or a recognizable variation
- Be concise and easy to spell
- Add niche keywords if relevant
- Use creative spellings or word combinations
- Consider alliterative phrases
- Matches handles across multiple social platforms if possible
Treat your Instagram handle as an important piece of your brand identity. Ultimately the goal is to make it instantly familiar and searchable amongst your target audience.
So take the time to develop a username that achieves those ends and propels your Instagram growth to the next level.
