A unique and memorable Instagram username can make a big impact on brand recognition, boosting awareness and enhancing discoverability. But how do you choose a good one?
The perfect Instagram username could be playful and funny, cute and quirky, clever and insightful, or all of the above. It all depends on your Instagram account’s goals. Choosing a username means considering a range of factors, including availability, memorability, and alignment with your brand.
Feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of selecting a username? Plann is here to help. Find out what makes a good username so important, and be inspired by over 2100 Instagram username ideas!
What is an Instagram username?
An Instagram username is your digital identity. This name, or handle, sits at the top of your account, as well as in your profile’s URL. Your username is unique to your account, which means that other Instagrammers can search your username to find you online. You can create username that includes up to 30 characters.
What makes a good Instagram username?
Your Instagram username is a chance to make a great first impression, so don’t waste it! As a content creator, brand or business, you need a memorable and unique username that sets your brand apart from its competitors and ideally offers an algorithm boost.
Great Instagram usernames are relevant to the brands they represent and easy to remember. Don’t forget to include a keyword or two! This will make your account highly searchable, helping you reach more followers on Instagram.
In short, the best Instagram usernames are:
- Easy to remember and free from complex characters or symbols
- Directly related to your brand or company name
- Harness searchable keywords and phrases related to your areas of expertise
- Quickly communicate who you are and what you do best
- Unique and memorable, helping to set you apart from your competitors
Can you change your Instagram username later?
If you change your mind about your Instagram handle, you can update it, so long as it’s been more than 14 days since the last change. Simply follow the steps below on your mobile device.
Step 1: Tap on your profile icon at the bottom right of your screen.
Step 2: Choose ‘edit profile.’
Step 3: Scroll to the ‘username’ section, and type in your new username.
Step 4: Carefully check your username and correct any errors.
Step 5: To save and finalize your change, press ‘done.’
While it is possible to change your Instagram username if needed, it’s not always a foolproof solution. Changing your username can make your account more difficult to find, and your perfect username might already be taken. Whenever possible, think carefully from the outset.
How can you check if a username is available?
As of 2024, Instagram is one of the world’s most popular social media platforms, home to an estimated 2.4 billion users. That’s a lot of competition! So how can you be sure which username ideas are already in use?
When you think you’ve settled on a great Instagram username, navigate to the search functionality within the Instagram app. Here, you can search your chosen name to verify that no one else is using it. You can also check on other accounts with similar names to be sure your username is the right choice. Don’t stress too much. If you try to choose a username that’s been taken, Instagram will let you know.
100+ Creative Instagram Username Ideas (Categorized)
Searching for Instagram username ideas that will help your account stand out? We’ve put together a list of more than 100 engaging ideas. Let’s get started.
Brand-Focused Usernames
Leverage your brand name of a close variation to create a clear, comprehensive, easily recognizable Instagram username. Feature your business name and a few keywords that highlight what your brand is all about. Check out these ideas and examples.
Brand It Like Plann
The @plannthat Instagram header displays alongside Plann’s logo and “social media scheduling made easy” tagline.
1. Define your brand using your niche or business name + “network” – “@NicheNetwork”
2. Highlight your expertise by stating what you do + “experts” – “@TheSpecialityExperts”
3. Encourage engagement with a spin on your main call to action – “@LetsGoSocial”
4. Improve SEO with a keyword relevant to your niche – “@Keyword”
5. Summarise your impact using a shortened version of your tag line – “@RealandRaw”
6. Make your account easy to find using your business name + “shop” – “@NameShop”
7. Simplify searchability using just your business name – “BusinessName” – “@RSVPLabel”
8. Highlight your identity and niche with your name + what you do – “@PoppyJaneClothing”
9. Showcase your impact and brand with your business name + niche – “@DigitalFirstTech”
10. Tell your audience what you share using what you do + your name – “@HandmadeByName”
11. Hook reader attention with a quirky spin on what you offer – “@MeetMeAtTheBakery”
12. Focus on value by highlighting what you offer or sell – “@QualityOliveOils”
13. Keep it simple with a summary of your niche or expertise – “@ThePropertyExperts”
14. Show your professionalism with a niche or business name + “HQ” – “@KnitwearHQ”
Use Keywords Like Kaboodle
The @kaboodlekitchen Instagram header displays alongside Kaboodle Kitchen’s logo and bio.
15. Highlight shopping channels with your business name + “store” – “@NameStore”
16. Target your region with your location + niche – “@LocationGyms”
17. Reach a relevant audience using location + target market – “@BrooklynVegans”
18. Clarify your focus with your name + “loves” + your niche – “@AprilLovesTango”
19. Outline your brand’s excellence with your brand name + “deluxe” – “@BrandNameDeluxe”
20. Maintain a focus on impact by using your key brand values – “@EcoLivingHacks”
21. Summarise your journey with your brand name + foundation year – “@Maxwells1995”
22. Improve readability with your brand name with underscores – “@The_Flower_Shop”
Keep It Simple Like Trello
The @trelloapp Instagram header displays alongside Trello’s logo and bio.
23. Target your market using what you do + where you’re based – “@ServiceLocation”
24. Emphasise your professionalism with your brand name + “co” – “@NameCo”
25. Simplify your offer with brief summary of your products – “@GourmetMarshmallows”
26. Drive more sales with “shop” + your product range – “@ShopSupplies”
27. Build better connections with a summary of who makes up your team – “@TheCarTraders”
28. Improve your sense of community using your niche + “club” – “@NicheClub”
29. Clarify what you deliver with your name + services – “@NameService”
30. Show off your expertise with your specialty + “champions” – “@NicheChampions”
31. Link to your broader sector using your brand name + industry – “@BloomMedia”
32. Focus on shopping opportunities with your name + “retail” – “@NameRetail”
33. Drive meaningful relationships using your name + your business partner’s name – “@BrowneAndCooper”
34. Improve personability using what you do + your name – “@OfferByName”
Descriptive Usernames
A descriptive Instagram handle can make it easy to show off your expertise and attract followers who are interested in your niche. Try your own variations of these username ideas!
35. Highlight what you can do with a summary of your main business offer – “@GemstoneJewellery”
36. Show followers what you provide using a summary of your service – “@ThePaintingClub”
37. Highlight how you help using key consumer pain points – “@TravelOnABudget”
38. Keep the focus on value using what you offer your audience – “@LearnToDIY”
39. Target your audience directly with a callout to your community – “@HipHopDancersUnite”
40. Show audiences their next steps with a call to action + location – “@CallAPlumberNYC”
41. Link your brand to SEO channels using keyword + your offer – “@LuxuryFashionTips”
42. Benefit from existing brand awareness with a recognizable brand name – “@BMWDriving”
43. Focus on your brand’s key message with a log line statement – “@KnowYourGut”
Say It Like March
The @marchingaroundtheworld Instagram header displays alongside March’s profile picture and bio.
44. Set audience expectations for the key elements you post about – “@BooksAndStuff”
45. Highlight your value by outlining the help you can offer – “@DogTrainingGuide”
46. Improve clarity using the main focus of your account – “@LatestNicheNews”
47. Personalise your offer with your niche + your name – “@NicheHacksByName”
48. Provide a clearer consumer journey with standalone call to action – “@SellYourProperty”
49. Highlight what makes your business stand out using a special offer + your niche – “@MadeToOrderNiche”
50. Summarise key points in one place using your location + industry + name – “@LARealtorPete”
51. Make your content easy to find using your niche + “hacks” – “@NicheHacks101”
52. Define yourself as the expert with the value you offer – “@TravelMadeEasy”
53. Tell your audience who you are with your location + title “@TheLocationTitle”
54. Tell users what to expect from your account with a brief summary- “@GirlInTheCity”
55. Set the tone for abundance using your speciality + “galore” – “@NicheGalore”
56. Focus on yourself as a source of help using your expertise + “support” – “@NicheSupport”
Be Clear Like Maria Reid
The @womeninbusinesscoaching Instagram header displays alongside Maria’s profile picture and bio.
57. Give users a reason to buy with your selling point + offer – “@AffordableArtPrints”
58. Make content more searchable with keywords + your product – “@RawNaturalHoney”
59. Be the solution using the problem you solve – “@NoMoreFastFashion”
60. Define your account easily with a summary of your content – “@SustainableHomeHacks”
61. Hook more relevant followers using location + what you share – “@TheLAFilmCritic”
62. Target your market with a simplification of your niche – “@WatercolorArtistry”
63. Simplify the connection process using how you can help followers – “@GrammarMadeEasy”
64. Access a local market by focusing on your location – “@OnlyInAustralia”
65. Be clear about your purpose using your main content theme – “@AllThingsPurple”
Simplify Like 3 Day Websites
The @3daywebsites Instagram header displays alongside the brand’s profile picture and bio.
66. Show off who you help with your topic + your audience – “@TopicForBeginners”
67. Define your account as a destination using your niche + “hub” – “@TheBusinessHub”
68. Simplify your role in the industry with your name + your niche – “@NameNiche”
69. Make your account more connection-driven using who you/your team are – “@TheShoeCollectors”
70. Set the tone for your account’s atmosphere using where you post from – “@LifeByTheBeach”
71. Tell users how to connect with your offer + call to action – “@ForPlumbingCallUs”
Creative Usernames
It’s time to get creative! From wordplay and puns to rhyming and alliteration, these creative username ideas can help you stand out and make an impact.
72. Make your handle more memorable rhyme based on your name – “@BusyWithLizzy”
73. Improve memorability using alliteration with your name – “@PiperInParis”
74. Entertain your audience with a quirky spin in your location – “@ItsLondonCalling”
75. Show your humour and identity with a fun summary of who you are – “@TheBrunchBabes”
76. Make yourself the go-to with a simple title for what you specialise in – “@BossLadyXX”
77. Amuse and entertain using puns based on your name – “@Amyway…”
78. Help users remember your impact with a witty spin on your expertise – “@ThePastryPros”
79. Improve your SEO strategy with three relevant keywords – “@FitFreshFab”
80. Make yourself stand out with a clever self-identifier – “@WeTheWitches”
81. Keep things entertaining with a fun play on words – “@BakeMeHappy”
Wordplay Like Karina
The @karinamaywrite Instagram header displays alongside Karina’s profile picture and bio.
82. Hook reader attention using an alliterative spin on your niche – “@CallMeCoastal”
83. Attract the right audience using what you do + your name – “@PlanningWithPriya”
84. Prompt an emotional response using emotive language relevant to your niche – “@WanderlustWanderings”
85. Tell users what to expect with a twist on your location – “@TheStudyNook”
86. Set clear expectations with a summary of what you do – “@NurturingNature”
87. Be quirky and original using twist on your target market – “@GetBarkHappy”
88. Define your account clearly with your content focus + “IG” – “@SunnyDaysIG”
89. Establish credibility using your brand name + “CEO” – “@TechLabCEO”
90. Highlight who you serve with your location with alliteration – “@StorybookSanctuary”
Alliterate Like Aline
The @thewellnesswitches Instagram header displays alongside Aline’s profile picture and bio.
91. Capture reader interest with a rhyme based on your niche – “@TheHairAffair”
92. Explain your content focus with a time + location – “@SunsetInSydney”
93. Make your niche memorable using what you do with alliteration – “@ResearchRevisited”
94. Brand according to the platform with your niche + “stagram” – “@KnitstagramHub”
95. Give yourself a recognizable identity with your title + your content focus – “@DivaInDenim”
96. Provide greater clarity on your goals using your account’s purpose – “@STEMGirlsUnited”
97. Capitalize on trending language using a popular phrase – “@GetYourGlowOn”
98. Set up your vibe using your account details – “@JetsetterChronicles”
99. Get people talking with a fresh, unique hook – “@LookWhoItIs”
100. Make users think with a play on Instagram terminology – “@TheReelLife”
101. Interest and intrigue audiences with a unexpected word combination – “@BiologyBarbie”
102. Redirect from common catchphrases using a twist on a common idiom – “@FlightsNotFeelings”
103. Connect with your audience by defining who you are – “@TheTreeHugger”
104. Provide clarity and accessibility using your niche + “vibes” – “@PlantMomVibes”
105. Set expectations around your scheduling by sharing your posting time – “@LateNightPosting”
Username Generators (as Inspiration)
Still struggling for inspo? A username generator could help to kickstart your creativity. Our favorites are Jimpix, LingoJam, and Insta Username.
But let us offer a word of warning. While an Instagram username generator can be a great starting point for brainstorming, it’s important to customize the suggestions on your own.
This is the only way to find truly unique Instagram name ideas that have real meaning and are more than just a mix of random words and phrases.
Numbers & Underscores (Use Sparingly)
What if all the good Instagram handle ideas are taken? In some cases, you might be able to find a loophole by adding numbers and underscores. Use this technique sparingly, though.
Excessive numbers, underscores, and other items of punctuation can be distracting, potentially making your account more difficult to find online. These elements are best used strategically for emphasis and not just to dodge the competition. You need your username to offer something new to Instagram.
Beyond the List: Pro Tips for Choosing Your Username
If you’re still searching for great Instagram names, keep these pro tips in mind.
Keep it Short & Sweet
Short and sweet is the solution! For the best results, keep your username under 30 characters. This will make it easier to read and memorize so that users can find your Instagram profile. You might even use your business name!
Easy to Spell & Pronounce
Likewise, simple is best. Avoid complex spellings or abbreviations that might confuse potential followers. Make your username clear and easy to engage with so that no one has to jump through hoops when searching for your Instagram account.
Availability Across Platforms
Availability is key. Before you set your heart on a username, check that it is available for use. It’s also a good idea to search your name across other platforms. This way, you can choose the same username for multiple platforms and unify your social media presence.
Future-Proof Your Username
You need to start planning for the future. When choosing a username, consider your brand’s long-term goals. Is this an Instagram handle that will grow with you over time and support your ongoing master plan?
Get Plann’ing for Instagram
With a strong username selection, you can elevate your Instagram presence and take your account to the next level, so don’t wait!
When you’re all set up with the perfect Instagram username, you’re ready to begin scheduling content, engaging with followers, and analyzing content performance. Start your journey the right way with a little help from Plann. Get your FREE 7-day trial NOW!
