An Instagram handle is your identifier on Instagram. It’s the name that others use to find you on the platform, in other words your Instagram username. You can see it as the ‘@’ symbol followed by a series of characters (letters, numbers, underscores, or periods) that make up your username. It’s essentially your Instagram identity!
For example, if your Instagram account name is ‘coolcat123’, your Instagram handle is ‘@coolcat123’. Your friends can find you, tag you in posts, or mention you in their stories using your Instagram handle.
How to Setup an Instagram Handle?
Setting up a new Instagram handle is very easy. Follow these steps to create your unique Instagram handle:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap on ‘Edit Profile’.
- Under the ‘Username’ section, you can see your current Instagram handle. Tap on it.
- Now, you can type your new desired handle. It could be your name, nickname, or something that represents you.
- When you’re happy with your new handle, tap ‘Done’.
Remember, your Instagram handle needs to be unique. If it’s already taken, Instagram will let you know, and you’ll need to choose a different one. It’s a good idea to keep it simple and easy to remember.
What Are the Different Types of Instagram Handles?
There are no strict types of Instagram handles, but they often fall into a few categories based on what they represent:
- Personal Handles: These are typically a person’s name or a variation. They’re used by individuals who want to be recognized by their real name, like @john_doe.
- Business Handles: These handles represent businesses or brands. They often include the name of the business or something closely related, like @coolcakesbakery.
- Themed Handles: These handles represent a theme or interest, like @travel_with_me. People use these handles when they want their accounts to focus on a specific topic.
- Fictional Handles: These are imaginative or fictional names people use to keep their identity secret or create a separate persona on Instagram, like @mysterywriter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Change My Instagram Handle?
You can change your Instagram handle by navigating to your profile, clicking ‘Edit Profile’, and then changing the text in the ‘Username’ section. Once you’ve typed your new handle and ensured it’s unique, you can click ‘Done’ to save the changes.
Why is My Desired Instagram Handle Unavailable?
If your desired Instagram handle is unavailable, it’s likely because another user already has it or it’s been previously used and not yet freed up by Instagram. Handles that violate Instagram’s community guidelines may also be unavailable.
Can I Use Special Characters in My Instagram Handle?
Yes, but Instagram only allows periods and underscores as special characters in handles. Spaces and other special characters are not allowed.
Conclusion
Your Instagram handle is like your digital calling card. It tells people who you are on the platform. It’s crucial to choose a handle that’s unique, memorable, and representative of you or your brand. Whether it’s a personal, business, themed, or fictional handle, it should be something you identify with and would like to be known as in the Instagram community.
After all, your Instagram journey reflects your identity, and your handle is the beginning of that journey! So, pick a handle that you love and start sharing your moments.
