Is it a good idea to change your Instagram username?
If you’ve had your account for a while and have built up a sizable following, most experts agree that changing your Instagram username isn’t the best idea. And if you’ve linked any other social media accounts to your Instagram (like Facebook, Pinterest, or YouTube), you’ll also have to change your username there, too.
How can I rename my Instagram?
To update your profile information, including your name, username and email address associated with your account:
- Go to your profile.
- Tap Edit Profile.
- Type in your information and tap Done (iPhone), (Android) or Submit (computer and mobile browser).
Will I lose followers if I change my username?
You shouldn’t lose followers for changing your name. It doesn’t create a new profile so all of your previous followers and people you follow will stay the same. However, if you choose a name that is offensive or explicit then you might find yourself losing followers.
What should I consider when changing my username?
If your site has a social aspect, maybe consider whether bans, blocks, reports, chat histories, etc will carry through a username switch (ie will a user be aware that they are talking to the same account, even though the name has changed?). Another point to consider is anonymity or privacy concerns.
Are there reasons not to allow name changes?
Many people have looked at the reasons not to allow name changes from both a security and a community standpoint. However, there are plenty of legitimate reasons to allow username changes, even if the username is separate from the display name, for example:
How to keep control of your username?
If you want to keep control, then semi-automate it: Let the user do all the preparatory work, i.e., fill in the new name, write their reason (if you care) and answer the security question. Now, the help desk guys only have to grant or refuse the request. Many reasons for and against allowing username changes have been given in the other answers.
Can a username have a period in it?
Windows, for example, has no problems with a period in the username. In fact, the UPN is formatted like an email address, which allows a period. Don’t let your users ask – tell them what the standard is, and be open to the business (not individual users) requesting changes to the standard as requirements change.