Instagram names guide: How to choose the perfect username

Instagram is a social media platform that is widely known for its visual appeal. So, whether you are a content creator or a business owner, if you want to increase your visibility on IG, then choosing the best Instagram names would help in attracting followers and standing out from the crowd.

That’s why in this guide, we’ll provide you with effective methods to help you choose the perfect username & display names that truly look distinctive. Also, we’ll share a tutorial enabling you to change the Instagram names. Plus, you’ll find tips to ensure a safe and secure digital space for kids. So, continue reading!

What are Instagram names and why do they matter?

Instagram names are actually your digital identity on the platform that gives people a quick sense about who you are, whether an individual, a brand, or a creator.

On social media platforms, the main goal of every person is to increase their visibility, right? So, I would say that Instagram names are not just a simple label on your profile, but they’re basically the first thing that people might notice about you. For your information, there are actually two types of Instagram names: username and display name.

Let’s have a quick look at both types, so you may better understand!

Username: It’s sometimes called the Instagram handle that may have no link with the actual name. It is actually what makes you unique from others.

Display Name: On the other hand, the display name basically appears on your profile or on the posts you share on Instagram.

Why Instagram names matter?

Identity and branding: As mentioned earlier, your username or display names actually help you be recognized on Instagram. Suppose you are running a cosmetics business, then a name like @makeup withAlex would help people know your niche and make your profile more memorable.

Searchability: Similarly, it’s worth noting that when people search for accounts, Instagram considers both your username and display name. So if someone is searching for fitness tips, then definitely accounts like FitLife with Sam have better chances of appearing.

What makes a great Instagram name?

If you talk about a great Instagram name, then it’s not one that you can pick randomly. But the thing is that a strong name needs to have certain key qualities that make it memorable, recognizable, and easy for people to find. Here are the most important factors that you must consider:

Clarity and memorability: 

First of all, you shouldn’t go for a complex name just to look modern or trendy. Keep in mind that the main purpose of your Instagram name is to help people instantly recognize and remember you. So I would say that it should be easy to read, pronounce, and spell.

Reflecting your personality or brand:

Furthermore, your Instagram name must be such that when people see it, it instantly gives them an idea about who you are or what your business is about. For instance, if your account is personal, then go for a name that should reflect your style or interests. In this way, other people could easily connect to you.

Flexibility:

Also, while choosing the Instagram name, you have a future plan in your mind. If you expand your business, then the name must also grow with your business. For instance, if you start with @VeganRecipesByEmma.

But later on, you decided to post general food content too. Then the present name wouldn’t reflect with it, and changing the name affects your following. That’s why you should start by choosing, like @EmmaEats, which gives the name to expand your content.

Uniqueness and availability:

In addition to the above, if you want a great Instagram name, then it must be unique so that no one can confuse it with others. However, in search of uniqueness, you also have to ensure that it’s available on Instagram.

Well! Ideally, you should use the same name across all your social media platforms. This consistency helps people recognize you easily and increases the chances that they remember your profile.

How to come up with a creative Instagram name?

Now, if you are wondering how you can create a creative Instagram name. Then, do remember it takes proper planning, thinking, or even a little experimentation. But you don’t worry! We are here to help you and provide effective methods that would aid in creating a great name.

Brainstorming methods:

You should start by thinking about what your hobbies, interests, or niche is. So, write down all the things in one place. Now, what you can do is to combine these with your initials one by one.

For instance, if you love music and your name is Allen, then you can go for a name like SingwithAllen, etc. Well! Whatever idea comes to your mind, write it all down. Then you’ll narrow down your list and choose one that suits you and looks more memorable.

Using name generators and AI tools:

However, if you find the brainstorming method difficult, then stay calm; there are super-easy alternatives too.

It’s a technological era, right? So there are many free online name generator tools available, in which you’ll just choose your niche or hobby. And within seconds, such tools give you a list of name ideas. In this way, you’ll also have a lot of unique ideas without thinking on your own.

Checking availability and avoiding symbols:

Alright! Once you narrow down your naming list, the next step would be to check their availability on Instagram. Besides this, you should also consider that your name shouldn’t have excessive symbols, numbers, or underscores. All such things make your name hard to read, which is a negative point.

Testing and feedback:

Lastly, before you finalize any name on your own, it’s best to share the options with your friends or colleagues. Now ask them to choose the one that best describes you and your brand. So, by knowing others’ opinions, you would better choose the name that truly resonates with your identity.

Step-by-step guide to changing your Instagram name

Now, as you have nailed down the perfect Instagram, making the switch would be super easy. In this section, we’ll share with you a detailed tutorial enabling you to change both your username and display name on Instagram with ease.

How to change your username & Display name?

• Step 1.  You’ll start by opening your Instagram app on your mobile device. Then you’ll just tap your Profile picture on the bottom right of the screen.
• Step 2. Now, a profile page will appear before you. From there, you’ll click the Edit Profile option below your Instagram bio.

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• Step 3. After this, you’ll see the Name field from where you can change your display name. Similarly, below the name field, there is a Username field allowing you to change your username.
• Step 4. Okay! Once you’ve made your changes, just tap the blue checkmark in the upper right corner of the screen. This would help to save your changes. That’s all!

Best practices for Instagram names (especially for younger users)

Nowadays, most young users use Instagram to express themselves and also to connect with the world. However, use of Instagram may lead to exposure to inappropriate content, interaction with strangers, or many other risks.

Also, according to the University of California report, excessive use of social media, including Instagram, badly impacts mental health, causing issues like anxiety, depression, FOMO, or loss of self-esteem. So, owing to the above concerns, it’s very crucial for parents to guide their kids from creating names to their safe usage.

Privacy and safety considerations

Avoiding personal information: When choosing their Instagram names, teens should avoid including personal information. This is because if their account is public, then any stranger may reach out to them and try to bully them.

So, the name must be linked to hobbies or interests, not location, hinting whether it’s home or school. Also, if you are a parent, then you can make them understand by giving examples, like instead of choosing @SaraSmith12Class2025, pick something more generic like @SaraCreates.

Choosing age-appropriate names: Furthermore, teens should understand that since usernames are their digital identity, they must reflect youth-safe interests instead of mature ones. Otherwise, the audience, owing to a misunderstanding, may create a different image in their minds, which affects their personality.

Understanding your digital footprint: Similarly, it’s worth noting that even if you shared your username on Instagram when you were young, it still remains there, like in past tags, posts, comments, etc.

So if it’s silly or embarrassing, then later on it looks unprofessional and may affect your current personality. That’s why they should consider this in mind and go for one that has long-term implications.

Digital literacy and parental guidance

Encouraging open conversations: Being a parent, it’s your utmost duty to ensure your kids’ digital safety, right? So, in this regard, the first thing that you’ll do is communicate with your kids. However, instead of giving strict warnings, you must build a trusting bond so your child feels comfortable sharing what they see or experience online.

Keep one thing in mind: when kids know they won’t be judged or punished, they are more likely to tell you about things like bullying or confusing content. Thus, it gives you the chance to guide them before anything becomes risky.

Teaching responsible online behavior: Next, you should guide your kids about how to treat others they interact with online. You should teach them about why privacy matters, and also that what they are posting today may follow them in the future, too. So a simple rule for kids: “If you wouldn’t say it in real life or share it with a teacher or parent, don’t post it online.”

Use of parental control tools: However, if you want a comprehensive solution to ensure kids’ digital safety, then look no further than FlashGet Kids parental control app.

• Screen mirroring: Owing to the FlashGet kids parental control app, you can see your kids’ Instagram activities live. Like what kind of stories they are posting on IG and to whom they are interacting.
• Notifications tracker: Also, this app allows you to sync the notifications from your kids’ devices to your own. Thus, you would view and read all of your kids’ Instagram notifications by sitting in one place. Do remember! It’s just for kids monitoring to keep them safe from online predators.
• App usage and screen time: Furthermore, it provides you with a detailed report about how much time your kids have spent on individual applications like Instagram. Thus, if you find that kids have spent a lot of time on IG, then FlashGet Kids also lets you set time limits, so you can block its usage for specific hours, like studying or sleeping.
• Content filtering: Moreover, FlashGet Kids also allows you to filter out explicit content, thus ensuring that they remain safe online.

Conclusion

So, from the above discussions, we can say that although the Instagram names are the first impressions about you or your brand, safety and age-appropriateness must come first. So, while selecting Instagram usernames or display names, you have to think deeply, or you can make use of AI tools to get creative ideas. But you have to make sure that they aren’t revealing any kind of personal information.

When it comes to kids, I would recommend parents to leverage the parental control tools like Flashget Kids to monitor app use, apply content filters, and help maintain a healthy online balance. These steps protect kids while still letting them enjoy social media, so consider trying them today.