Getting an Instagram Username That’s Taken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion active users worldwide. With millions of new accounts being created every day, it can be challenging to come up with a unique and memorable username. If you’re struggling to find a suitable username, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to get an Instagram username that’s taken.
Step 1: Brainstorm and Plan
Before you start searching for a username, take some time to brainstorm and plan. Think about the type of content you want to post, the tone you want to convey, and the personality you want to project. Consider the following questions:
- What’s your brand or business name?
- What’s your personal name or nickname?
- What’s the theme or niche of your content?
- What’s the tone you want to convey (e.g. funny, serious, inspirational)?
Step 2: Check Available Domains
Once you have a list of potential usernames, check if they’re available as domains. You can use a domain registrar like GoDaddy or Namecheap to check availability. You can also use a tool like DomainChecker to check if a domain is available.
| Available Domains | Available TLDs | Available Extensions |
|---|---|---|
| .com | .co | .io |
| .org | .net | .biz |
| .edu | .gov | .mil |
| .io | .co | .pro |
| .net | .org | .info |
Step 3: Check Instagram’s Username Policy
Instagram has a strict policy regarding usernames. You can only use the following characters in your username:
- Letters (a-z, A-Z)
- Numbers (0-9)
- Underscores (_)
- Hyphens (-)
Step 4: Check for Trademark Infringement
Before you register your username, check if it’s available as a trademark. You can use the Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) to search for trademarks**. If you find a similar username, you may need to modify it or come up with a new one.
| Trademark Search | Trademark Status |
|---|---|
| "Instagram" | Infringing |
| "Social Media" | Not Infringing |
Step 5: Register Your Username
Once you’ve checked for availability and trademark infringement, register your username with Instagram. You can do this by following these steps:
- Go to the Instagram app and tap on the profile icon.
- Tap on "Settings" and then "Account".
- Tap on "Username" and then "Register".
- Enter your desired username and confirm it.
- Instagram will send you a verification code via email or SMS.
Step 6: Verify Your Username
After registering your username, verify it by following these steps:
- Go to the Instagram app and tap on the profile icon.
- Tap on "Settings" and then "Account".
- Tap on "Username" and then "Verify".
- Enter the verification code sent to your email or SMS.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a unique and memorable username. Avoid using numbers or special characters that may be difficult to remember.
- Keep your username consistent. Use the same username across all your social media platforms.
- Be creative. Think outside the box and come up with a unique and memorable username.
Conclusion
Getting an Instagram username that’s taken can be challenging, but with a little planning and patience, you can find a suitable username. Remember to check for availability and trademark infringement before registering your username. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to find a unique and memorable username that reflects your brand or personality.
Additional Resources
- Instagram’s Help Center: https://help.instagram.com/
- Instagram’s Terms of Service: https://www.instagram.com/help/
- Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS): https://www.uspto.gov/trademark
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to find a unique and memorable Instagram username that reflects your brand or personality.