Having a good username on TikTok is important for several reasons. A username is the first thing people see when they encounter your profile or videos. It helps create your identity and brand on TikTok. Your username also affects how easy it is for people to find and remember you (Dailydot, 2019). Additionally, a creative, memorable username can attract more followers and help your content stand out in a sea of videos. With over 1 billion monthly active users on TikTok, having a username that represents you well gives you the best chance to build an audience and go viral.
Types of Usernames
There are several types of usernames you can create on TikTok to make your account stand out:
Funny Usernames
A funny or humorous username can showcase your personality and make people laugh when they come across your account. Some examples are @DancePartyOfOne, @DramaLlama, or @SnacksOverEverything.
Memorable Usernames
A memorable username is one that is unique and sticks in people’s minds. You can make up a new word like @Vibetopia or use alliteration like @JumpinJenny. The goal is to be creative and come up with something unforgettable.
Punny Usernames
Puns and wordplay also work great for TikTok usernames. Some punny ideas are @JustRomanAround, @OliveTheMoment or @WineNot. Puns are short, clever and make people pause as they sound out your username.
Music or Pop Culture Inspired
You can also draw inspiration from music, movies, books or other areas of pop culture. For example, @DrakesNumberOneFan, @KatyCats or @LordOfTheRingsSuperFan all clearly communicate your interests.
How to Brainstorm Username Ideas
Coming up with creative username ideas for TikTok can sometimes feel challenging. Here are some tips to help you brainstorm unique and catchy usernames:
Think about your interests and hobbies. Incorporating a favorite activity like dancing, baking, or gaming can make for a fun username like @dancegirl123 or @bakesandvlogs. Just make sure it relates to the content you plan to create (Adobe, “How to pick a TikTok username”).
Consider your personality traits and describe yourself in your username. Are you funny, bubbly, artsy, silly or calm? Usernames like @artsygirl or @sillysarah can express your personality. Just keep it positive (Hootsuite, “Best TikTok Usernames”).
Get creative with puns, rhymes or wordplay. Clever options like @snaphappy or @diyqueen are short, catchy and unique. Test different combinations until you find one that sticks. Avoid overused trends or phrases to stand out (Namechk, “Username Generator”).
Keep it short and memorable. TikTok only allows up to 30 characters, so aim for names with 1-2 words that are easy to remember and spell (Hootsuite).
Ask friends for suggestions if you’re stuck. Getting input can spur new ideas you may not have thought of. Just be sure the name reflects you.
Check availability to ensure your desired username isn’t already taken. You may have to try different variations.
Most importantly, pick a TikTok name you like and feel represents you. Your username makes an impression, so choose one that suits your personal brand (Adobe).
Use Your Real Name
Using your real name as your TikTok username has some advantages:
- It’s easy to remember and simple to share with others (cite: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/usernames-with-your-real-name)
- It establishes your authenticity and personal brand from the start
- People who already know you can easily find your account
However, there are also some downsides to using your real name:
- It provides less anonymity if that’s a concern for you
- You can’t ever change it unless you make a new account (cite: https://support.tiktok.com/en/getting-started/setting-up-your-profile/changing-your-username)
- Distinctive names may be easier for others to find you if you want more privacy
Overall, using your real name has tradeoffs to consider in terms of branding versus anonymity.
Use a Nickname
Using a fun or creative nickname as your TikTok username is a popular option. Nicknames allow you to come up with something unique that represents your personality. Here are some nickname username ideas:
- Puns or plays on your real name (e.g. @dancequeen760 for a dancer named Sarah)
- Shorten or abbreviate your real name (e.g. @kj for someone named Kevin Jones)
- A favorite childhood nickname (e.g. @peanutbutterjelly for someone who loved PB&J sandwiches)
- An adjective that describes you (e.g. @artsy_girly123 for a creative person)
- Your astrological sign (e.g. @gemini_girl)
- Your nickname plus numbers (e.g. @dancequeen123)
Nicknames give you more flexibility than just using your real name. Brainstorm fun nicknames that represent your personality or interests. Just make sure it’s something you feel comfortable being called online.
Use Interests and Hobbies
One great way to come up with a unique username is to use your interests and hobbies. Your username can reflect a passion, talent, or activity you love. This adds personality and can help you connect with a community of users who share that interest.
For example, if you love to cook, you could try usernames like @bakergirl or @foodielife. Other hobby and interest ideas include:
- Sports – @basketballfan123
- Music – @guitargirl
- Travel – @wanderluster
- Reading – @bookworm007
- Art – @artsypainter
- Gaming – @gamergurlxo
The key is choosing an interest or hobby you’re truly passionate about. This will come through in the types of videos you create and help you connect with a niche community. Just make sure it’s something appropriate and follows TikTok’s community guidelines.
Use Your Personality
Your TikTok username can reflect different aspects of your personality. Think about adjectives that describe your most prominent character traits and try incorporating them into potential usernames. Here are some ideas:
Funny – Username ideas: always_laughing, comedian_in_training, funnybones
Adventurous – Username ideas: thrillseeker1234, adrenaline_junkie, daredevil_girl
Quirky – Username ideas: im_not_normal, oddsock, quirkygirl2015
Confident – Username ideas: selflovequeen, believe_in_yourself, shining_starlight
Kind – Username ideas: spreadlove56, givetheworldahug, be_kind25
You can also consider using your astrological sign or results from a personality quiz. Just make sure it’s something you identify with and feel comfortable sharing. For example: leo_lady, INFJ_journey, aquarius_vibes.
Focusing your username on your personality helps show viewers the real you right away. But don’t feel limited by just one descriptor – you can mix and match aspects to create the perfect username!
Be Clever and Witty
One of the best ways to stand out on TikTok is by having a clever, funny, or witty username. This shows off your personality and makes people curious to check out your content. Some tips for coming up with a clever username:
- Make a pun using your name or interests. Puns and wordplay like “anna_pear” or “bookworms_read_alot” are memorable.
- Use ironic or sarcastic usernames like “graceful_klutz” or “short_baller.” The contrast makes people do a double-take.
- Riff on popular culture with names like “khaleesi_in_training” or “voldemort_bff.” Topical references feel current.
- Go for alliteration or rhymes like “rapgoddess” or “dancemachinerina” for sticking power.
- Make up new words like “happilystylish” or “laughsallyday.” Creativity stands out.
- Use punny or clever hashtags in your name like “#dadjokesfordays” or “#foodieadventures.”
The more creative and witty your username, the more it will make people hit the follow button. But make sure it’s still easy to remember and spell!
Avoid Numbers and Symbols
Though numbers and symbols may seem like a creative way to make your username unique, it’s best to avoid using them for a few key reasons:
Numbers and symbols can be confusing or harder to remember for your followers. Usernames with just letters and words tend to be more recognizable and easier to find.
Symbols may not render properly across different devices and platforms. This could make your username appear broken or scrambled on certain apps.
Numbers and symbols don’t allow your personality to shine through. A username based on your name, interests or quirks will be more meaningful.
Usernames full of random numbers and symbols can come across as impersonal, lazy or computer-generated. Going with a personalized name makes you more approachable.
Some symbols have alternate meanings on TikTok, like underscores representing private accounts. Numbers/symbols could accidentally portray something you didn’t intend.
In most cases, it’s better to just be yourself! Avoiding cryptic numbers and symbols keeps things clear while allowing your amazing personality to show through.
Check Availability
Before setting your heart on a username, it’s important to check if it’s available on TikTok. With over 1 billion monthly active users, many of the obvious username ideas may already be taken. Use a TikTok username checker to test availability.
Simply type in the username you want and the tool will let you know if it’s available or taken. Some tools even suggest alternative usernames if your first choice is unavailable. Checking availability ensures you don’t waste time building up a profile using a handle that you can’t officially claim.
It’s best to check availability right from the start. But even after you’ve created your account, you can change your username as long as the new one you want isn’t already in use. So check potential usernames thoroughly before getting too attached.
Tools like MediaMister and Handle Monitor allow you to check availability quickly and easily. With the right preparation, you can secure the perfect TikTok username that feels uniquely you.
