One common issue many TikTok users face is not being able to find someone after they have changed their username. When a TikTok user changes their username, their profile url also changes. However, TikTok does not notify a user’s followers of the username change. This means that followers can easily lose track of accounts they previously followed if the username changes. Not being able to find a TikTok user after a username change is a prevalent problem, as usernames change frequently on the platform and the app provides no built-in way for followers to be notified or redirect to the new profile.
According to TikTok’s help center article “Changing your username”, users can change their username directly within the app. But there is no mention of followers being notified. A Reddit thread on r/TikTokHelp further confirms users are unable to find accounts after a username change, with one user saying “So back in August I wanted to change my username on Tik Tok, so I tried changing my username but an error message popped up saying “something went wrong” so I tried again and it worked but now NONE of my followers can find me.”
Why TikTok Usernames Change
There are a few common reasons why TikTok users change their username:
Some users want a new or unique username that better represents their identity or brand. As TikTok has grown, many common usernames have been claimed. Users may change to stand out or get a name they prefer. According to Quora, TikTok usernames are not unique, so multiple users can have the same name.
Other times, a user’s original username was inappropriate, offensive, or impersonating someone else. TikTok’s terms of service prohibit certain usernames. Users may be forced to change an inappropriate name or choose to change it themselves.
In some cases, users simply forgot their login information and created a new account. With a new account comes a new default username. The user may not recall their old handle.
TikTok Doesn’t Notify Followers
One of the biggest issues when a TikTok user changes their username is that TikTok does not notify any of their followers about the change [1]. Unlike other social media platforms like Instagram that send out notifications when a username is changed, TikTok just silently changes the username without any notice to followers.
This lack of notification makes it very difficult for followers to find a user when their username has changed. Unless the user personally informs all their followers beforehand or edits the links they’ve shared, their followers will have no idea their username changed. They will go to the old profile and get an error that the user doesn’t exist.
TikTok’s failure to notify followers of username changes is frustrating for users who want to keep their followers updated. It essentially severs the connection between users and their followers, making it much harder to maintain an audience.
Finding Users By Profile URL
Even after a username change, a user’s profile URL on TikTok remains the same (1). This means that followers can still locate a user’s profile using the old custom URL.
For example, if a user changed their username from @cooluser to @awesomeuser, their profile URL would still be www.tiktok.com/@cooluser. Followers who have bookmarked or memorized that URL can still access the profile and see the new @awesomeuser username.
As TikTok does not notify followers of username changes, searching the old profile URL is one of the only ways for followers to rediscover and reconnect with users who have changed their usernames. So if you want users to be able to find you after a change, make sure they know your profile URL.
Searching By Profile Photo
Even if a TikTok user changes their username, their profile photo usually remains the same. This means you can search for the user’s current profile photo to find their account, even after a username change.
To find a user by their profile picture, go to the TikTok search bar and tap on the camera icon. This will open up the photo search option. From here, you can upload the user’s profile photo that you have saved. TikTok’s image recognition will scan the photo and show you accounts with matching profile pictures. This should help you find the user’s current account.
According to TikTok’s help center article, profile pictures stay the same unless manually changed by the user [1]. So if you have their photo saved somewhere, you have a good chance of tracking them down even after a username change.
Using Media Links
One way to find a user after a username change is by searching for links to their old videos or photos. TikTok media links don’t automatically update when a username is changed. This means if someone has shared or saved media from a user’s profile, those links will still lead back to the profile – even if the username is different.
For example, if @katie123 changes her username to @katiethecat, links to katie123’s videos like https://www.tiktok.com/@katie123/video/123456789012345 won’t update. That link will still lead back to the profile that now has the username @katiethecat.
Followers can search through messages, posts, or bookmarks to find old media links from the user’s previous username. As long as the account wasn’t deleted, these links provide a way to rediscover a profile after a name change. This method can help reconnect lost connections on TikTok.
Contacting The User
If you want to get in touch with a TikTok user after their username change, one option is to contact them through their posted content.
You can comment on their TikTok videos or posts asking for their new username. Make sure to mention your previous username in the comment so they know who you are. The user will get a notification about your comment and can respond with their new username.
According to https://www.alphr.com/tiktok-username/, commenting is the easiest way to directly contact a user if you don’t know their new username.
You can also try messaging the user through linked social media accounts mentioned in their TikTok bio or posts. For example, if they have an Instagram or Twitter account connected, you may be able to direct message them there.
Getting in touch on their other social profiles allows you to explain that you were previously following them on TikTok and ask for their new username. This ensures you can re-connect and continue following their content.
Using TikTok Search Tools
TikTok has powerful search tools and filters that can help you find someone even if their username has changed. One useful filter is ‘People I Follow.’ This will show only accounts you currently follow in the search results.
To use this filter:
- Open the TikTok app and tap the search bar at the top.
- Type the person’s name or username.
- Tap ‘Filters’ next to the search bar.
- Select the ‘People I Follow’ filter.
This will display accounts of people you follow matching the search query. If the username has changed, their new handle will show up here.
The ‘Videos I Liked’ filter can also help uncover a changed username. And searching your message history is another option.
Leveraging TikTok’s tools helps reconnect with contacts after a username change.
Preventing Lost Connections
To prevent losing touch with followers after a username change, it’s a good idea to notify followers beforehand. You can create a TikTok video or post an announcement in your profile bio explaining that your username will be changing on a certain date. Recommend followers add you on other social platforms using your permanent handles. You can also provide an email address or phone number so followers can contact you directly.
Adding alternative contact methods in your profile like Instagram, Twitter, or Snapchat usernames will also help followers find you if they don’t initially see your new TikTok handle. It’s a good practice to link multiple profiles across platforms so your audience always has a way to stay connected.
Proactively communicating name changes with followers ensures they can update your profile in their contacts. Maintaining open lines of communication is key for retaining an audience when transitioning to a new username on TikTok.
Conclusion
There are a few main methods for finding a TikTok user after a username change. The most direct way is to use their profile URL, which remains the same even after a name change. You can also search by their profile photo or media links if you have those available. Using TikTok’s search tools like finding mutuals or scanning your followers list can also help reconnect you with a changed username.
It’s important not to lose touch with your connections and contacts on TikTok when they change their username. While TikTok doesn’t notify followers of name changes, taking some proactive steps like the ones outlined here can help you stay connected. Maintaining an active network on TikTok is key for creating opportunities and having a strong presence.
