Whether we like or not, online presence has become such a dominant force in our lives that it practically defines how people see us and react to us. When you’re getting signed up with social media platforms like Instagram, then, you’d better have a few ideas of what would make the best username for you. Appamatix has your back, and not only will we show you some of the best names on Instagram, we’ll walk you through some tried-and-true methods of obtaining good name ideas! If you’re stumped, and not sure what you want other people to know you as read on!
While some may look at social media as another limiting factor in our lives–just another place for individuals to view and judge our personalities–I choose to view it as a form of liberation. You can construct yourself in any way that you want to on social media, and it’s an excellent opportunity to put your best foot forward, to let people know the real you without the accompanying stress of doing so out in the wide world. When you share content on social media, it sticks around and becomes part of your developing personality. When you share a photo of yourself, it’s the face that people see. It sticks with them. Probably, they’re going to recognize you more by your presence on social media than what you’re doing out in your day-to-day life!
All of this makes it exceptionally important to lock down an username that best suits you. Using your own name is one thing, but a good Instagram username is a chance to express yourself creatively, to own a title. If you become exceptionally attached to it, who’s to say it’s not something that you’ll continue to use elsewhere on the internet? Maybe people will come to know you by that username, and everything you do under it. Want to give everyone a taste of your sense of humor, such that they’ll know to expect it when they see your username? It’s totally possible!
See? Constructing a representation of yourself on social media can be fun, rather than restricting. It’s better to push boundaries than obey them, and build up your image to fit what you want it to be, rather than what you’re already defined as.
Before we get any more abstract, let’s bring things back down to earth. How does one go about selecting a good username? What makes a good username? Can I change my Instagram username? Can I find a place online and just choose a good username?
We have answers to all of these and more!
Choosing a Good Username
It’s easy to lay out the criteria for a good username without mentioning just how difficult it can be to overcome the indecisiveness that tends to plague that process. After all, even if you can change your username, later on, people will come to see you as a particular username as soon as you select. Just because you choose to change it doesn’t mean that everyone’s perception and understanding are going to change overnight, right?
Therefore, it’s important to give the subject some significant thought before you make your decision. We’ve designed a little questionnaire that you can work through, in the meantime!
- What will I use Instagram for? Answer this question as honestly as you can. Are you going to use your Instagram in the same way that you might use Facebook? If you’re going to use it casually, then you can feel free to be a little more free in how you select your username, but you still might want to ensure that it’s recognizably you. What if you’re going to use the name to represent yourself, professionally? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, but social media is definitely a major player in professional environments, and if you depend at all on self-promotion, it’s important that your username reflects the professional image that you’re striving for.
- Do I want to use my own name? Finding a unique username can be difficult, but incorporating elements of your own name can make it a whole lot easier! However, not everyone wants to do that. Maybe you think it’s boring. Maybe you want a little bit more anonymity, rather than a little less. Maybe you’re just feeling creative, and that method doesn’t quite suit your fancy! No matter your reason, knowing where you fall in regard to this can help you to weed out unnecessary ideas. Consider your reasoning, and then don’t forget it!
- Who is my audience going to be? This ties in closely to the first question, but it’s equally important. When choosing an username, you need to pick one that will reach the people you’re going to want to follow you. If you’re using Instagram to share memes and funny, casual stuff, choose an username that corresponds with that. If you’re aiming to generate a professional following, choose something that more closely adheres to the niche that you work in.
These criteria can help you towards the right username immensely. Before you head off to find a good username that someone else has created, see if your own creativity can give you some ideas!
What if My Username is Taken?
The first frustration that most people encounter when getting started with Instagram is finding out that their username has already been claimed. It’s a serious bummer, but it’s not a reason to despair.
Why not? Because you should have a list of possible usernames before you even get started! As I said above, the further away that you get from an username that contains some portion of your own name, the better chance there is that it’s going to end up already taken. Millions of users already populate this social media platform, so you can expect that that many great usernames have already been claimed. Doubly so if your ideal username contains a popular phrase or word.
The Benefits of a Truly Unique Username
There are quite a few benefits to unique usernames in social media. As I’ve stated a few times, social media has allowed us to develop an “online persona” whether we want to or not, and knowing this, you’re in a position to use an username that’s memorable and identifiable amongst your contacts and followers.
If you create or find an username that truly speaks to who you are, you’re going to have a lot easier time grabbing followers (and keeping them, if they like your Instagram posts.)
On top of that, having a unique, memorable username allows you to promote yourself online elsewhere more easily. Now, when I say “promote you,” the first thing that you probably think of is a professional promotion. This is absolutely apt, and if you are using Instagram professionally, all the more reason to grab an excellent name. However, you can promote yourself just as easily (often using the same means) in your social circles and online communities.
Additionally, bonus points to you if you can find a rockin’ username that’s available on every social media platform that you use! Nothing makes it easier for people to find and follow you on multiple social media sites than having the same (or similar) name.
Where Can I Find an Username?
If creativity isn’t usually your thing (or you just don’t want to bother) that’s not a strike against you! Different strokes for different folks, I say, and thankfully there are plenty of places online where you can find or generate solid usernames for social media, including Instagram.
The Instagram Name Generator at Spinxo should be one of your first stops since it can provide you with some of the best username options. Input criteria like your name, personality, hobbies, and things that you like, and the name generator will spit out options for you! Now, there’s no guarantee that these usernames will all be available on Instagram; the simple program can’t cross-reference every recommendation it gives you, but it’s a good place to start!
Of course, if you’re only in need of inspiration, you could check out one of the previous occasions that Appamatix has taken on the topic of Instagram usernames; we’ve compiled hundreds of the best, for your perusing pleasure. If you’re looking for something a little more on the random side, there are name generators to suit your tastes in that area, as well!
Altogether, you’re not spoiled for choice when it comes to either getting inspiration for a good name or having one outright chosen for you. If you use our recommended tips and tricks and name ideas, you’ll be well on your way to landing the best Instagram username for you! If you still have questions about Instagram usernames (or want to share your own clever moniker) lay it on us in the comments below! If you can, share this article on Facebook and Twitter so we can reach out to a few more people who need help with the naming game.