TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion monthly active users. With such a large userbase, many people want to change their username on TikTok for various reasons. However, TikTok has a policy that does not allow users to change their username once set. This often leads to frustration for TikTok users who get stuck with a username they no longer want.
In this article, we will examine TikTok’s username policy, why the policy exists, potential workarounds, the pros and cons of having locked usernames, and provide some tips for choosing a memorable username from the start.
TikTok’s Username Policy
TikTok only allows users to change their username once every 30 days. After setting your username for the first time, you must wait 30 days before being able to change it again. This is outlined in TikTok’s community guidelines, which state: “To protect the TikTok community, we limit how often users can change their username. You can change your username once every 30 days.” (TikTok Community Guidelines)
This policy is in place to prevent users from repeatedly changing their username, which could be used to impersonate others or mislead the TikTok community. By limiting username changes, TikTok aims to maintain trust and accountability between creators and their audience. Once you change your username, you will need to wait 30 days before changing it again.
Why the Policy Exists
One of the main reasons why TikTok has this locked username policy is to prevent abuse and impersonation on the platform. Unlike other social networks, TikTok does not allow users to change their username after setting it initially. This is done to protect the community and maintain trust between creators and viewers.
With the ability to change usernames at will, bad actors could impersonate popular creators or brands by using similar looking usernames. They could then use this to scam viewers or spread misinformation while posing as the real account. According to this article, platforms like Snapchat that allow username changes are more susceptible to impersonation issues.
By locking usernames, TikTok ensures users can trust that an account is who it claims to be. Viewers know a creator’s username will remain consistent, preventing confusion over who they are following or engaging with. This policy protects both viewers and creators from potential abuse.
Workarounds
Since TikTok does not allow users to change their username more frequently than every 30 days, some users try to find workarounds. One option is to delete your current account and create a new one with your desired username. However, this means losing all of your existing followers, likes, comments, and videos (https://www.hitpaw.com/video-tips/how-to-change-ur-name-on-tik-tok.html).
Another potential workaround is to contact TikTok support and request that they change your username. However, success with this method is not guaranteed. TikTok’s policy states that usernames cannot be changed more frequently than every 30 days. Support may make exceptions in some cases, but you would need a compelling reason for requesting the change.
In most cases, the recommended workaround is simply to wait 30 days before changing your username again if you are unsatisfied with your current one. While inconvenient, this ensures compliance with TikTok’s policies.
Using Numbers and Characters
One way to create a unique username on TikTok is by adding numbers or special characters. Since usernames cannot contain spaces, adding numbers like 95 or 00 can help separate words. For example, “catlover00” or “dancequeen95.” Special characters like underscores (_), hyphens (-), or periods (.) also work for this. “dance_queen” or “music.lover” are examples. The key is choosing numbers or special characters that are meaningful to you. They should match your brand and content style.
According to TikTok experts, adding unique numbers and characters to your username can make it stand out and be more memorable. It helps your brand create an identifiable “signature” that fans will recognize (Source: https://simplified.com/blog/social-media/tiktok-username-ideas). Just don’t overdo it with hard-to-read characters!
Choosing a Memorable Username
Picking a permanent username on TikTok is an important decision, as you can’t change it once set. Here are some tips for choosing a memorable username that represents your brand:
Use a unique but simple username that’s easy to remember. Avoid random numbers and strange character combinations. As per TikTok’s username policy, you can use letters, numbers, underscores and periods.
Try variations of your real name or nickname. Adding “real” in front communicates authenticity, like @realjohnsmith.
Leverage your hobbies, interests or personality. Funny usernames like @booknerd or @iheartcoffee attract followers who relate to you.
Incorporate branding if you’re representing a business. @shop_brandname clearly identifies your affiliation.
Use memorable words, puns and wordplay. Puns like @wheres_the_pun get attention and stick in people’s minds.
Check username availability before settling on one. Brainstorm backup options in case your first choice isn’t available.
Ask for feedback from friends before finalizing your permanent username. Get a second opinion to ensure it gives the right impression.
Building Your Brand
One of the best ways to grow an audience on TikTok is by building a consistent brand and persona that viewers can recognize. Maintaining the same username makes it easier for fans to find your content and remember who you are. According to TikTok’s creator portal, “Crafting a unique brand helps viewers understand the type of content you create and builds loyalty among your followers” Defining your brand | Creator Portal.
Viewers will come to associate your username with the type of content they can expect from you. A locked username reinforces brand recognition and consistency. As you post more videos showcasing your brand persona, it helps build familiarity and trust with your audience. Having a locked username from the start allows you to focus on great content without having to rebuild your brand if you change your name later.
Pros of Locked Usernames
One advantage of TikTok’s policy of locking usernames after initial creation is that it helps establish account credibility and brand recognition. Once an account has built up a following under a consistent name, changing it suddenly could create confusion or make users feel disconnected from the brand they originally followed.
Keeping the same username over time also contributes to brand identity on TikTok. As creators grow their audience and content, they become known for the unique name they first chose. This name recognition makes it easier for fans to search and find their account organically. As social media strategist Jenn Herman explains, “Changing a well known TikTok handle means losing all of that brand equity.”
Cons of Locked Usernames
One downside of TikTok’s locked username policy is that it limits creativity and makes it difficult for users to rebrand if desired. Once a username is chosen, users are stuck with it indefinitely. This restricts the ability to reinvent one’s profile or adapt to changing interests over time. As a TikTok creator’s content evolves, their original username may no longer reflect the videos being produced. But they have no option to modify it without starting an entirely new account.
For example, a user’s early content may focus on baking desserts, leading them to choose a cute baking-related username like “sugarplumprincess”. However, after a few years they may shift to creating fashion and beauty content instead. At this point, it’s likely they’ll want a new username more suited to their current niche. But with TikTok’s inflexible policy, they can’t refresh their handle to match their new brand image.
This permanence of usernames also creates issues if a user grows and gains a larger following over time. The username that seemed clever or funny to a teen may not project the right persona years later as an adult content creator. But TikTok leaves users stuck with immature or unprofessional-sounding handles from their early days on the platform.
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok does not allow users to change their username after setting it initially. This policy is in place to protect branding and prevent impersonation issues. While locked usernames have some drawbacks in terms of branding flexibility, they also help maintain continuity for content creators and fans. Some workarounds like adding numbers exist, but the original handle remains constant. Overall, the locked username policy aims to cultivate trust and accountability within the TikTok community. When choosing an initial name, keep in mind it will represent you and your content for the long-term. Pick something memorable that reflects your identity and makes your account easy to find. With creativity and strategic planning, a locked username on TikTok can become an asset rather than a limitation.
