For influencers, bloggers, businesses, and personal profiles, a username on any social media platform is a representation of their brand. It allows us to express ourselves creatively, establish a trademark, and maintain a consistent presence throughout all resources.
Unlike our names often given to us by our parents, here, we have the freedom of choice - and of course, changing it is an option we must also have. Among other platforms, TikTok offers that possibility. This guide will walk you through the editing process and further highlight why your username is so significant in the first place.
Can you change your username on TikTok?
Yes, changing your TikTok username is quite simple and convenient. Depending on the operational system of your phone, the process will be slightly different, and you can refer to a step-by-step guide with pictures below. There are also some internal platform guidelines that you need to keep in mind before a name change. Basic rules and character limits aside, you can only edit your handle once every 30 days, and it has to be unique, meaning not already taken by another TikTok user.
Why is your username important?
A username distinguishes your profile from other accounts. You may think it is just a formality, but it will be reflected in your account link and can be used for individual search queries. Same as on Instagram or YouTube, your TikTok followers are like social currency, and having a simple, identifiable account name can help with account recognition and brand promotion.
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How to change your username on TikTok
If you are looking to change your TikTok username, you need to come up with a new combination or at least have a broad idea of what you want it to be. When you attempt to change it, TikTok will display whether the desired name is already taken and suggest available alternatives. Keep in mind that the editing feature is available once every 30 days.
iPhone app
- Launch the app and log in if needed.
- Go to your Profile by tapping the corresponding icon in the bottom right corner.
- Click on the Edit Profile button.
- Tap on the Username line.
- Replace your old username with a new one. If the field is inactive, that means you’ve reached the changing limit and must wait until the 30-day hold is up.
- Once you are happy with the result and see the green checkmark, click Save.
Android App
- Launch the app and log in if needed.
- Go to your Me page by tapping the corresponding icon in the bottom right corner.
- Click on the Edit Profile button.
- Tap on the Username line
- Replace your old username with a new one. If the field is inactive, that means you’ve reached the changing limit and must wait until the 30-day hold is up.
- Once you are happy with the result and see the green checkmark, click Save.
Basic Rules for a TikTok username
As per TikTok’s support FAQ, your username can only contain letters, numbers, underscores, and periods. There is also a 24-character limit. Note that the chosen combination can’t end with a period but there are no restrictions for placing them at the beginning or in the middle. You should also be mindful of:
- Privacy. Do not disclose personal or confidential information that could potentially compromise your safety: phone number, address (country/city should be fine), or bank details.
- Cybersafety. Do not use your email or password, or even your favorite number combination that serves as a phone passcode as a username.
- Copyright. Most of the protected names will already be claimed by their rightful owners, still, using someone else’s brand just because it is not taken doesn’t feel right. TikTok can reset your username to a randomized numeric combination if they receive a trademark infringement notice.
- Decency. Your username is hardly the right place for obscene language and inappropriate, hateful, or violent wording.
Tips for choosing your username on TikTok
There is no right or wrong way to come up with a username, yet, it is wise to consider the following tips as editing is limited. It should be:
- Consistent. For business accounts, maintaining the same spelling as in your other resources is important. Your potential subscribers need to be able to find your page with a simple search. The resulting credibility can also prevent fraud attempts.
- Readable. Make sure your username is comprehensible and is easy to type - avoid using too many characters or underscores, keep it clear and short.
- Self-explanatory. If your content revolves around a certain topic or theme, say, you film unpacking clips or makeup tutorials, you can include niche-related words in the username.
- Premeditated. Changing your username too often may be confusing to your followers. The 30-day limitation will prevent you from further edit attempts, so make sure the combination is well-grounded and proofread.
What should I do after a TikTok name change?
Once the process is initiated, your username and profile link are changed instantly, and your current audience and the ability to upload new content will stay intact. However, the update can have some impact on your presence: your followers might not recognize you with the new name.
You can make a dedicated video announcing the change and explaining the reasons behind it: whether it is rebranding, or you’ve changed your real name, etc. You should also replace the link to your profile with the new one if you have used it somewhere outside of TikTok, like on your other social profiles.
Summary
TikTok’s guidelines and regulations for usernames are quite lenient: the editing process is simple and quick, and the app generates suggestions if the desired combination is already taken. The 30-day limit might seem frustrating at first, but it actually helps you carefully consider all consequences of a username change and make a strategic decision.
If you do not plan on building an audience and are simply using the app for entertainment, you can change your TikTok username as often as allowed trying out new fun handles.
Businesses, influencers, and brands should approach the edit with well-grounded reasons, contemplating the tips and advice for readability and consistency.
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