How To Create A Nickname For Instagram

Arguably, your Instagram username can pretty much define people's first impressions of your profile. When someone asks for your handle, it's the first idea they'll get of what you're all about, so you want to make it something that's catchy, interesting or descriptive. When your target audiences search for content, you want to make your Instagram username easily discoverable, and not too tricky, but with over one billion users on Instagram, it can be hard to secure a username that is unique (or isn't already taken!).

Instagram Username Ideas 💡

First things first – what is your profile for? Is it to interact with friends, or is it a small business you are trying to set up? The purpose of your Instagram will likely determine what kind of username you should go for and the ideas you should use. If, for example, you plan on using Instagram to just interact with your friends and family, its likely you will want to go for a username featuring your name. If you're a small business, you'll want your brand in there somewhere.

instagram username ideas

Instagram username ideas for personal profiles 🙌

If you're setting up a personal profile on Instagram, the best place to start is with your name. That means, if people are actually trying to find you , they will be able to, easily. However, sometimes its not as easy as just typing in @samking and calling it a day. If you're new to Instagram, it's pretty likely that your full name could already be taken. Here's a few workarounds:

Instead of using your full name, input any middle initials you might have like @samjaking
Make use of special characters like @sam_king
Go old-school email vibes, and attach a number at the end of your handle, like @samking96
Use any nicknames you might have instead like @sammyking
Have a little fun by swapping letters around like @kamsing
Think of things that might rhyme with your name like @samkingsings
Do you have a favourite flower, pet, or colour? Incorporate this into your username like @orangesam
Speak another language? Pick a word you like in a different language that means something significant, or you feel represents who you are, and use this as part of your handle

Remember, you will always have the chance to input your full name on your profile, so even if you use a nickname or abbreviation, you will still be searchable by your full name.

…and ideas for brands 🛍

If you're representing a brand on Instagram, rather than a creator account, or an inspiration account, you'll want to follow a similar formula as you might for a personal profile. Again, you'll want to fit your brand name within the username, so that people can easily recognise and find your account. However, lets say your brand name 'Plant Shop' is already taken… here's what to do:

Add your location on the end of the brand name. This will allow locals to easily recognise your account, e.g. @plantshopedinburgh
Think about elements that might be unique to your brand or business. For example, if your store is located on 5 Drummond Street, you might make your name @5DrummondPlantShop
Think about what your target customer might already be searching for, and formulate your username around this, e.g. @gardenersinedinburgh

50 unique Instagram username ideas 👀

@eatingaroundtheworld

@julesontour

@pinchofsalt

@weworewhat

@lustforlife

@secretsofacontentmanager

@wineandwhine

@themummydiaries

@soyouwanttotalkabout

@candidcaptures

@lifeofasocialmediamanager

@doyouevenlift

@whatsthetea

@influencersinthewild

@theressomethingaboutmary

@thesocialdilemma

@hairofthejog

@beauty.secrets

@justdogs

@alwaysinblack

@thoughtcatalog

@girlwithnojob

@accidentalinfluencer

@dietprada

@ssense

@writingyourstory

@thriftandflip

@mypersonalhotspot

@lad_libs

@behindmylens

@feedingthefeed

@modelbehaviour

@E20life

@lifeonthefarm

@americaninlondon

@theveganwarrior

@princess.peach

@vintageclothesonly

@thriftchic

@whatsthewifi

@alexanderthegreat

@askingforafriend

@askastylist

@moreplease

@thesocialhub

@friendsoffacebook

@neverdressedfortheweather

@thecheeseclub

@fortheloveofdogs

@betches

Gone through the list and still haven't been able to find any Instagram username ideas that make you feel inspired? You can also use a username generator, by plugging in interests or words you KNOW you want to include, and letting the site do the work for you! Here's an example of one.

Here's a few things to remember when it comes to brainstorming:

Think about your niche or your personal brand and see if you can reflect this in your username. (e.g. @alwaysinblack or @theveganwarrior ).
Creating a community page that allows your users to interact closely with your brand? Make this clear by following a format like @friendsoffacebook .
Think about what you are posting, and see if there is a way to describe it in a creative username like @eatingaroundtheworld .
Create intrigue by going for something mysterious that will make people want to click, such as: @thesocialdilemma .
Think about a famous historical figure or legend that shares your name, and nab their tagline, like @alexanderthegreat .

Got your username and profile, but don't know what to do next in order to grow your following? Take a look at our recent guide, by clicking the banner below!

instagram username ideas