Guides · 4 min read

How to choose a good username

Your username is often the first thing people see. These simple checks help you pick one you will be happy with for years.

Keep it short

Short handles are easier to remember, type and fit on everything from packaging to a phone screen.

Make it easy to say and spell

If someone hears your handle once, they should be able to type it. Avoid letters that look alike (l, I, 1) and double letters that are easy to miss.

Think long term

Avoid trends, years and jokes that may age badly. A neutral, clean handle grows with you.

Stay consistent across platforms

Using the same handle on Instagram, TikTok and X makes you easier to find. If the exact name is taken on one platform, a short handle with a dot or an underscore keeps you close.

Check meanings in other languages

A quick search can save you from a name that means something unfortunate elsewhere — important if your audience is international.

Frequently asked questions

Should my username match my real name?

For a personal brand it helps people find you. For a business, matching the brand name matters more.

Helpful guides

How to buy an Instagram username safelyThe short handle you want is almost certainly taken. Here is how buying one works, what to check, and how to avoid the usual traps.5 min read · Read the guide →What is an OG username?“OG” comes from “original gangster”, slang for something original and authentic. In usernames it describes the rarest, most desirable handles.4 min read · Read the guide →How username transfers workBuying a handle is not like buying a product that ships in a box. Here is exactly what happens between checkout and the moment the name is yours.4 min read · Read the guide →Username prices explainedTwo handles can look almost the same and still be priced very differently. These are the factors that decide what a username is worth.4 min read · Read the guide →3L vs 4L usernames: which should you buy?Both are short, both are letters only. The difference is rarity — and what that means for price and choice.3 min read · Read the guide →

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