Your Instagram handle – also known as your username – is one of the most important parts of your Instagram identity. With over 1 billion monthly active users, an awesome handle can help you stand out on the platform.
But what exactly is an Instagram handle? How do you get one? And why does it even matter? This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know.
What Is An Instagram Handle?
Your Instagram handle is the unique username that identifies your profile on the platform. It appears in a few key places:
- At the end of your profile URL (e.g. instagram.com/yourhandle)
- Above your bio on your profile page
- Next to your name when you comment on posts
For example, my Instagram handle is @socialmediahelper. You can find my profile at instagram.com/socialmediahelper.
Your handle allows others to search for and locate your profile easily. It‘s essentially your unique identifier on Instagram.
Some key facts about Instagram handles:
- Handles are limited to 30 characters
- Can only contain letters, numbers, periods and underscores
- Are unique – no two users can have the same handle
Your handle is different from your display name or full name, which appears at the top of your profile. You can change your display name as you wish, but your handle will remain the same.
Why Is Your Instagram Handle Important?
With over 1 billion monthly active users on Instagram, standing out takes effort. This is where your handle comes in.
Here are some key reasons an awesome, memorable handle is important:
Branding – It helps establish your brand and identity on Instagram. A handle that sums up your niche makes it easy for others to know what you‘re about.
Searchability – Having a relevant handle makes you easier to find in searches. @katy_yoga is easier to find than @user293847.
Credibility – A professional, niche-specific handle lends credibility and authority to your profile. @socialmediaguru is more authoritative than @xoxo_becky.
Memorability – A catchy or clever handle is easier for others to remember. @wandercraft is more memorable than @traveler00093.
Consistent identity – Having the same handle across platforms helps cement your brand identity. @katythedailyblogger is ideal.
For businesses, influencers, artists and creators, choosing the right handle is especially important. It can help clearly communicate your niche and build a memorable brand on Instagram.
How To Get An Instagram Handle
When you first sign up for an Instagram account through the mobile app, you‘ll be prompted to choose a username or handle as part of the process. Here are the steps:
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Download the Instagram app on your phone
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Tap "Sign Up" and enter your email address or phone number. Tap "Next".
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Create a password for your account.
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Instagram will ask you to enter your basic profile info:
- Full name
- Username
- Password
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Enter your desired handle/username. Instagram will let you know if it‘s available.
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If your desired handle is taken, you‘ll have to try another one until you find one that‘s available.
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Once your account is created, your handle will be set. Make sure to choose it wisely!
Pro Tip: I recommend having a few potential handle options in mind before signing up, in case your first choice is taken.
Once your handle is set, it cannot be changed without creating a new account. So it‘s important to put thought into choosing a great one from the start.
You can modify your handle slightly by adding periods, underscores or numbers if the exact one you want is taken. For example, @katiesyoga could become @katie.syoga or @katiesyoga_ or @katiesyoga01.
How Many Characters Are Allowed In An Instagram Handle?
Instagram handles have a 30 character limit. When choosing your ideal handle, you cannot exceed 30 letters, numbers or special characters.
Here are some example handles at the 30 character maximum:
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@newyorkcityExplorer____ (30 characters)
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@foodphotographyIsMyPassion____ (30 characters)
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@iLoveDogsALot123456789_____ (30 characters)
Trying to create a handle longer than 30 characters will return an error during account creation. Stick to the limit for a smooth signup process.
How To Choose The Perfect Instagram Handle
Choosing that perfect, memorable Instagram handle is an artform. You want something that represents your brand while standing out from the crowd.
Here are my top tips for picking the ideal handle:
Be relevant to your niche. Include keywords related to your industry, content style or business. This communicates what you‘re about.
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Good: @foodiefeatures, @wanderlusttravelcouple, @dogtrainingtips
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Bad: @rabbit765, @hello93472, @instagramuser834752
Keep it simple. Avoid using too many special characters like dots, underscores or extra numbers. Single words or short phrases are best.
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Good: @travel, @johncook, @sunshineblogger
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Bad: @traveller..56, @bo$$john_, @sarah‘sdailyblogs
Be consistent with your brand. If you have an existing business or blog, incorporate part of its name. This helps establish brand consistency.
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Good: @blissfultravels, @socialmediahelper
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Bad: @yogagirl, @foodlover09 (doesn‘t match brand)
Stand out. Put a unique spin on common words and phrases to stand out.
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Good: @wandercraft, @thearcher, @dancewithsara
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Bad: @travel, @foodie, @wanderer (very common)
Check availability. Search to see if your desired handle is taken. Modifying words helps get a similar available version.
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Good: @thejohncook, @travelingram, @thewanderluster
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Bad: @johncook, @travel, @wanderluster (likely taken)
Use your name. If you‘re struggling, using your first or last name with no special characters is always a safe bet.
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Good: @johncollins, @janehoward, @alexander_smith
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Bad: @Sar@h56!, @blogger$girl
Let‘s look at some examples of great Instagram handles from popular accounts:
@vindielondon – Travel blogger focusing on London adventures
@wandermeal – Food and travel brand with wanderlust-inspired meals
@couplebucketlist – A couple documenting their travel bucket list achievements
@dailyfoodfeed – Showcases drool-worthy food pics and recipes
As you can see, these handles clearly communicate niche and brand.
With some thought and creativity, you can come up with the perfect handle to represent your brand too!
Where To Find Inspiration For Your Instagram Handle
Finding that perfect handle can take time. If you need some inspiration, here are my favorite sources:
Instagram searches – Search relevant hashtags and browse profiles in your niche. Their handles can spark ideas.
Name generators – Sites like Namelix, Impossibility and Shopify have handy Instagram username generators. Simply enter keywords that represent your brand identity.
Blog/business names – Look at popular sites and blogs you admire in your industry. Short, memorable names work perfectly for handles.
Books/media – Flip through books, magazines, or watch popular TV shows. Interesting character names can provide inspiration.
Your own name – Come up with creative versions like @johncook or @iamjanehoward. Add details like locations too.
Handles you admire – Make a list of Instagram handles you think are super memorable and use it to model your own.
Phrase combinations – Take unique words and combine them in interesting ways. @wanderlust, @socialmedia or @foodiefeatures are great examples.
With an open mind, you‘ll definitely be able to find the right inspiration to create the perfect Instagram handle for your brand.
What To Do If Your First Choice Handle Is Taken
You‘ve come up with what you think is the ultimate Instagram handle…only to find it‘s already taken. It happens all the time! Don‘t stress – you still have plenty of great options.
Here are my top tips for modifying your handle when your first choice isn‘t available:
Add your name – @johnscheflife, @jane_howard
Use hyphens – @the-wanderluster, @jane-howard
Add "real" or "official" – @therealjohn, @janehowardofficial
Add a location – @katiesyoga_nyc, @johnscheflife_london
Change up spelling – @katiesyoguh, @johnschefflife
Shorten words – @wanderlusting, @foodinspo
Add "the" or "my" – @thejohncook, @myjanehoward
Add relevant numbers – @johncook10, @yogawithkatie90
Modify word order – @cookingwithjohn, @johncookskitchen
Use alternate words – @thechefjohn, @johnfordinner
With just minor modifications, you can come up with a great handle variation. The most important thing is that it represents your brand.
Summary of Handle Suggestions
Here‘s a quick recap of options when your first choice handle is taken:
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Add your name (@john, @janehoward)
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Use hyphens (@the-wanderer)
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Add "real" or "official" (@therealjane, @johnsofficial)
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Add a location (@katiesyoga_nyc)
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Change spelling (@katiesyoguh, @johnscheff)
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Shorten words (@wanderin, @foodspo)
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Add "the" or "my" (@thejohn, @myjane)
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Add relevant numbers (@katie81, @johncook10)
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Modify word order (@cookingjohn)
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Use alternate words (@thebakerjohn, @johninthekitchen)
With just a little creativity, you can modify your handle into something amazing. Don‘t stress about finding the "perfect" option – just pick something representative of you and your brand.
Why You Shouldn‘t Worry Too Much About Your Handle
While choosing a great Instagram handle is important, don‘t obsess over finding the "perfect" one. At the end of the day, it‘s just a small part of your overall brand and content.
The quality of your photos, videos, captions, and storytelling is far more important for engaging your audience.
An awesome handle is the cherry on top, but it‘s your content that ultimately drives growth and engagement on Instagram.
Focus less on the specifics of a handle and more on consistently creating amazing content that resonates with your audience. Posting daily stories and interacting with your community also helps build relationships.
Sure, a great handle provides some nice branding and vanity. But it‘s your skill as a content creator, photographer, influencer or artist that really matters.
Conclusion
Your Instagram handle is your unique identifier on the wildly popular platform. Although it may seem minor, choosing the right handle can help establish your brand and make you more discoverable.
The ideal handle clearly communicates your niche while being short, memorable and catchy. With over 1 billion active users, a great handle helps you stand out from the crowd.
Coming up with the perfect handle takes creativity and persistence. But even if your first choice is taken, you have plenty of options to get a similar version that uniquely represents you.
Don‘t obsess too much over finding the "perfect" handle. Focus more on consistently creating great content that resonates with your audience. An awesome handle is just the icing on the cake.
Thanks for reading! What‘s your Instagram handle? I‘d love to check out your profile and connect. Let me know in the comments!
