TikTok is a popular short-form video app that has exploded in popularity in recent years. As of 2022, TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide (Hootsuite). The app allows users to create, share, and discover short videos usually set to music. Like other social media platforms, each TikTok user has their own account and profile. An important part of every TikTok profile is the username – a unique name that identifies each user on the platform. Usernames are displayed on profile pages and with posted videos. This article will examine what exactly a TikTok username is, how to choose one, username rules, changing usernames, differences from display names, availability checks, and more.
What is a TikTok Username?
A TikTok username is the unique identifier that users create when signing up for a TikTok account. It allows others to search for and find your profile on the platform. Usernames on TikTok must be between 4-15 characters and can contain letters, numbers, underscores and periods.
TikTok usernames are distinct from display names, which are the names that appear on a user’s public profile. While usernames cannot be changed after creation, display names can be updated at any time. Usernames are used internally to identify accounts, while display names are for public identification.
TikTok usernames serve a similar function as usernames on other social platforms like Instagram and Twitter. They create a recognizable label for each user’s account that is simple and easy to remember. Choosing a good, memorable username can help build an effective brand presence on TikTok.
Choosing a Username
When choosing a username on TikTok, there are a few tips to keep in mind for picking a good one:
Try to be creative and unique. A memorable, one-of-a-kind username will help you stand out on TikTok. Avoid generic names like “katie123” or “dances4life” (Adobe).
Keep it short, simple, and easy to remember. Usernames on TikTok can be up to 30 characters, but shorter names with 1-15 characters are best (Dexterto).
Incorporate your brand, name, or something related to your content. This helps identify you and remember what you post. But don’t feel like you need to use your real name if you prefer more privacy (Adobe).
Check availability by typing in options and seeing if they’re taken. Try variations by adding periods, underscores, numbers, or letters if your first choice isn’t available (Dexterto).
Use a username generator for ideas if you’re stuck. Sites like spinxo.com can suggest creative, unique name options based on keywords (Adobe).
Make sure it aligns with TikTok’s community guidelines and avoid anything offensive, inappropriate, or misleading.
Username Rules
TikTok has some specific rules around what characters you can use in your username. Usernames on TikTok can contain a maximum of 30 characters.
Your username on TikTok can only include:
- Letters (a-z)
- Numbers (0-9)
- Underscores
- Periods
TikTok usernames cannot contain other symbols or emojis. Spaces are also not allowed in TikTok usernames. Some examples of valid TikTok usernames are dancequeen, john_smith123, sarah.baker, etc.
It’s important to follow TikTok’s username rules and restrictions when creating your username. An invalid username with banned characters could lead to your account being blocked or banned by TikTok.[1]
Changing Your Username
You can change your TikTok username at any time through the app or website. However, TikTok only allows you to change your username once every 30 days. This restriction is to prevent users from constantly changing their username, which can create confusion for followers.
To change your username on TikTok’s mobile app, tap the profile icon in the bottom right, then tap “Edit profile.” Tap the pencil icon next to your current username, then type your new desired username. Tap “Done” to confirm the change.
On TikTok’s website, click your profile picture in the top right, then “Edit profile.” Click the pencil icon next to your username, enter a new username, then click “Save.”
According to Neal Schaffer, if you’re eligible to change your username, the process is straightforward: “Simply go to your profile page, click ‘Edit Profile’, delete your current handle, type in your new handle, and click ‘Save’” https://nealschaffer.com/how-to-change-tiktok-username/
The 30 day waiting period ensures you don’t change your username too frequently. But as soon as you’re eligible, it’s easy to give your profile a fresh name.
Username vs Display Name
On TikTok, there is a difference between your username and your display name. Your username is the unique identifier that makes up your profile URL and is used to tag or mention you in comments and captions. Your display name, on the other hand, is the name that appears at the top of your profile and can be changed at any time without affecting your profile URL.
According to Lifewire, “Your TikTok display name is the name that appears at the top of your profile in the app. It can be anything you like, and it doesn’t matter if someone else has the same display name as you.” In contrast, your username must be unique and can only contain letters, numbers, underscores and periods.
The main difference is that your username is permanent, while your display name can be changed as often as you want. Your display name also has no restrictions on length or format. So you can use your real name, nickname, business name or anything else as your display name to customize your profile, even if that exact name is already taken as a username by another user.
Checking Username Availability
Before setting a permanent username on TikTok, it’s important to check if your desired username is available. Here’s how to check if a TikTok username is taken:
Use a third party username checker tool like BrandSnag, MediaMister, or InstaUsername. These tools allow you to enter a desired username and instantly check availability across TikTok in real time.
Try creating a new TikTok account with the username. If TikTok says the username is taken during sign up, then it’s not available.
Search for the username directly on TikTok to see if an account already exists. If a profile appears, the name is taken.
Using these methods allows you to check TikTok username availability quickly and easily before committing to a name for your account.
Usernames for Brands
When creating a TikTok account for a business, brand, or organization, it’s important to choose a username strategically. According to this source, the ideal TikTok username for a brand should:
- Be recognizable and reflect the brand name
- Be consistent with usernames on other platforms like Instagram and Twitter
- Be short, simple, and easy to remember
- Use real words instead of random letters/numbers
- Avoid using underscores or extra characters
The username is important for branding since it will appear on the brand’s TikTok profile and in the URL for their videos. It can also help users easily find and identify the brand’s account. Using the official business name or a variation of it is recommended. Some best practices are to include the company name, product, or service.
For example, “@nike” or “@RedBull” clearly identifies those brand accounts on TikTok. While “@appleofficial” or “@AdidasOriginals” connects the brands while showing they are official accounts. Brands should avoid using generic usernames like “@ techcompany” or usernames with extra characters that are hard to search for.
Problems With Usernames
Choosing the right username on TikTok is important, as an inappropriate or undesirable username can cause various issues. Some potential problems with TikTok usernames include:
Getting hacked: Having a username that is too simple or common makes it easier for hackers to guess or figure out your password. Unique and complex usernames are harder to crack.
Inappropriate content: Offensive, hateful, or otherwise inappropriate usernames may get reported and banned by TikTok. It’s best to avoid controversial or explicit language in your handle.
Impersonation: Usernames that impersonate celebrities, brands, or other users are often changed or removed by TikTok. Choose a username that represents you or your brand accurately.
Confusion: If your username is too similar to other popular accounts, people may accidentally follow or interact with the wrong profile. Distinguishing your handle makes you easier to find.
Regret: You may end up disliking your original username as your account evolves. Thankfully you can change it, but picking a more future-proof name from the start is wise.
To avoid potential username problems, be thoughtful when selecting your TikTok handle and follow the platform’s username rules and guidelines. Check name availability to ensure your desired username is unique.
Sources:
https://www.tiktok.com/discover/tiktok-name-problem
Conclusion
To summarize, a username on TikTok is the unique name associated with your account that identifies you and appears on your profile. Usernames must be between 4-15 characters, can only contain letters, numbers, underscores, and periods, and cannot be changed more than once every 30 days. When choosing a username, be creative, brand appropriate, and memorable as it will represent you or your business on TikTok.
Some final tips for usernames: Check availability before settling on one to avoid duplicates. Consider including your name, brand, or niche interests. Make it easy to spell and say out loud. And utilize all 15 characters to stand out. Your TikTok username is key for building your identity and connecting with your target audience.
