A good username is important on TikTok for several reasons:
First impressions matter. Your username is the first thing people see when they come across your profile or videos. You want it to grab their attention and make a positive first impression.
Your username represents your brand. It’s part of establishing your identity and persona on TikTok. A memorable, creative username can help build your brand and connect with your target audience.
It helps with discoverability. An eye-catching, searchable username makes it easier for new viewers to find your content when browsing TikTok.
It’s part of your URL. Your TikTok URL will be tiktok.com/@yourusername, so you want a username that’s easy to remember and share.
Overall, putting thought into your TikTok username can give your profile a boost as you try to grow an audience on the platform.
Keep it Short
While TikTok allows usernames up to 24 characters long, it’s best to keep yours on the shorter side for maximum impact. According to Social Expert Tips, the ideal TikTok username length is between 10-15 characters. Usernames in this length range are quick and easy to read, allowing you to make a memorable first impression.
With a limited number of characters, you’ll need to be succinct and creative. Aim for a username that’s catchy and representative of your brand. Shorter usernames are also easier for people to remember and search for when trying to find your profile again.
So keep it brief, and let your personality and content shine through in your tight, 10-15 character TikTok username.
Be Memorable
When creating a TikTok username, it’s important to pick something that is catchy and memorable. Here are some tips for coming up with an unforgettable name:
- Use a clever play on words or rhyming phrase like “@dancemachine” or “@raplyricist”. These types of names tend to stick in people’s minds.
- Incorporate alliteration with repeating consonant sounds like “@slimshady” or “@bakedbybecky”. Alliteration makes names more distinctive.
- Try using a catchy book, song, movie or TV show reference like “@moneyheist” or “@strangerthingsfan”. References to popular culture can help your name stand out.
- Consider using an adjective plus noun combination like “@happybaker” or “@curlygirl”. Descriptive word combos are fun and memorable.
- Try a pun or double meaning like “@wheresfrank” playing off Where’s Waldo or “@drama_llama_mama” which is cute and quirky.
The key is choosing a TikTok handle that is short, sweet and leaves an impression so it’s easy for users to recall. Quirky, clever and catchy names tend to be the most memorable. (Source)
Show Personality
Picking a username that conveys your personality is a great way to make your profile engaging and memorable. Your TikTok handle should give viewers a sense of who you are as a creator. The best usernames reflect your brand, interests, or sense of humor.
For example, if you post comedy sketches, choose a funny or punny name. If you share DIY projects, incorporate a creative or crafty word. If you’re a beauty influencer, include a glamorous term. You can even reference your hometown or an inside joke. Just keep it appropriate.
Showing personality helps you connect with your ideal audience. When users stumble upon your content, your username gives them a preview of what to expect. An interesting name piques their curiosity to learn more about you and your brand.
To come up with username ideas, brainstorm words that describe your passions, hobbies, and quirks. You can even use a username generator tool for inspiration. Just be sure your name aligns with your content theme and vibe.
Avoid Numbers
It’s generally advised to avoid using numbers in your TikTok username. usernames that consist solely of numbers or include numbers can come across as impersonal, robotic, and spammy. According to this Reddit post, TikTok may automatically change usernames made up of just numbers, likely in an effort to combat spam accounts.
An all-number username doesn’t allow your personality to shine through. Users want to engage with real people on TikTok, not what appears to be a faceless corporation or bot account. While numbers may seem like an easy way to lock down an exact username, they won’t do you any favors when trying to grow an audience and make connections.
It’s better to get creative with a memorable username made up of letters, ideally with a personal touch. Save the numbers for your bio or account handle, not the main username viewers see front and center when engaging with your content.
Check Availability
Before settling on a TikTok username, it’s important to check if it’s available. The last thing you want is to set your heart on a username, only to find out someone else already has it. There are a few ways to check if a desired username is available:
Use an online TikTok username checker. These tools allow you to input username ideas and instantly see if they are taken. They provide the fastest and easiest way to check availability.
Try creating an account with the desired username in the TikTok app. If the username is taken, TikTok will let you know and prompt you to try another one. However, this is more time consuming than using an online checker.
Search for the username on TikTok. If the profile doesn’t appear in search results, it likely means the name is available. But be sure to also check for slight variations that someone may have already claimed.
Checking username availability before finalizing your choice helps avoid disappointment down the line. You want a name that uniquely represents you on TikTok without issues.
Be Consistent
When choosing a TikTok username, it’s important to be consistent with the handles you use on other social media platforms. According to an article on SocialBu, “Consistency helps build brand recognition. Furthermore, keep your username aligned across all channels” (https://socialbu.com/blog/change-your-tiktok-username/). If you already have an established presence and following on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube, using a similar or identical username on TikTok will help your existing fans find and follow you there as well. Matching usernames across multiple networks strengthens your personal brand and makes it easier for viewers to connect the dots.
For example, if your Instagram handle is @jodiesmith, then using @jodiesmith or @jodiesmithofficial on TikTok will tap into that existing name recognition. Even if you don’t have a large following elsewhere, keeping your TikTok username consistent with other social handles establishes consistency from the start. Just be sure the desired name is still available before locking it in. With a consistent identity across multiple platforms, your fans will always know where to find you next.
Avoid Inappropriate Content
When creating a TikTok username, it’s important to avoid profanity, slurs, or other offensive terms that violate TikTok’s Community Guidelines. TikTok aims to promote an inclusive environment and using inappropriate language goes against that goal. Usernames containing profanity or hate speech may be banned.
TikTok’s Community Guidelines specifically prohibit the following types of content:
- Hate speech, harassment, or bullying based on protected characteristics like race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, caste, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, sex, and serious disease.
- Illegal activities or promoting dangerous organizations or individuals.
- Violent extremism.
- Misinformation meant to manipulate or deceive TikTok’s community.
- Content that depicts, promotes, normalizes or glorifies non-consensual sexual acts.
It’s best to steer clear of any usernames that could be interpreted as violating those guidelines. Stick to creative, fun, and inoffensive terms that represent your brand and identity on TikTok.
Consider Your Goals
When choosing a TikTok username, it’s important to consider your goals and target audience. Are you hoping to grow a large following and go viral? Or are you using TikTok mainly to share videos with friends and family? Your username should align with your objectives on the platform.
For example, if you plan to post comedy sketches, choose a funny or punny username that suits your brand of humor. If you intend to share How-To videos related to fashion or beauty, incorporate those interests into your username. Brand strategists recommend choosing a name that communicates who you are and what you offer on TikTok. This helps attract viewers who will enjoy and engage with your content.
At the same time, make sure your username isn’t so niche that it limits your potential audience. You want a name that intrigues a wider range of viewers who may become loyal followers. Strike a balance between showing your personality and specialty while remaining broad enough to give your account room to evolve.
Research usernames of top creators in your niche for inspiration. Look at both large accounts with millions of followers and smaller accounts similar to your size. See what works for them and brainstorm how you can stand out while fitting into your niche. Then test options with family and friends to choose a username that best represents you and your goals.
Sources:
https://simplified.com/blog/social-media/tiktok-username-ideas
Test Different Options
One of the best ways to determine the ideal username is to experiment and test different options. TikTok’s split testing feature allows you to set up A/B tests for your username so you can see which one performs better. You can test variations in length, keywords, numbers vs letters, emojis vs no emojis, and more. Analyze the results to gain data-driven insight into what resonates best with your audience and optimizes your discoverability. As this guide outlines, create multiple ad sets with different username variables, run them simultaneously, and check the performance data. Focus on metrics like impressions, profile visits, and follower growth to determine the winning username. With consistent testing, you’ll gain valuable learnings about what works and be able to refine an optimal, high-performing username over time.
