How to Change Your Name on TikTok

Thinking about rebranding your TikTok profile? Changing your name is one of the quickest and most effective ways to refresh your identity on the platform. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about updating both your visible Nickname and your unique @username, including the crucial differences between them and the strategic steps you should take before making a switch.

Understanding the Difference: Nickname vs. Username

First things first, on TikTok, you have two names, and they serve very different purposes. Confusing them can lead to mistakes you can't undo for a month, so getting this straight is the most important step.

Your Nickname and your Username are not the same thing.

• Your Nickname is your display name. It’s what appears most prominently on your profile page, above your videos, and next to your comments. It can be changed frequently, doesn't need to be unique, and can include spaces, emojis, and special characters. It's your public persona.
• Your Username is your unique @handle. This is your official identifier on TikTok. It determines your unique profile URL (e.g., tiktok.com/@yourusername) and is how people tag you in videos or mention you in comments. It must be 100% unique, can't contain special characters (only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores), and has much stricter changing rules.

Think of it this way: Your Nickname is like what you want people to call you at a party, while your Username is your permanent, unique address. You can ask people to call you "Dave" or "Comic Book Dave," but your address is specific to you and you alone.

How to Change Your TikTok Nickname (Display Name)

Changing your Nickname is the simpler of the two processes. This is the name people see at the top of your profile. It’s flexible and great for adding a bit of personality or describing what your content is about. For example, your username might be @janedoe, but your Nickname could be "Jane | DIY & Home Decor ✨".

Here’s how to change it, step by step:

1. Open the TikTok App: Launch the app and make sure you're logged into the account you want to update.
2. Go to Your Profile: Tap the "Profile" icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
3. Tap "Edit Profile": This button is located directly underneath your bio and follower count.
4. Select "Name": This will be the first option at the top. Tap on it.
5. Enter Your New Nickname: A screen will pop up where you can type in your new display name. You can use up to 30 characters, including spaces and emojis.
6. Save Your Changes: Tap the "Save" button in the top-right corner. You'll see a confirmation that your name has been updated.

One Important Rule: TikTok only allows you to change your Nickname once every 7 days. So, while it's less permanent than your username, you can't change it on a whim every single day. Make sure it's something you're happy with for at least a week before you hit save.

How to Change Your TikTok Username (@handle)

Now for the big one: changing your username. This is a much bigger commitment and has more consequences for your account. This change will alter your profile URL and how people tag you. Take this step seriously, especially if you have a built-up following.

The steps are nearly identical to changing your Nickname:

1. Navigate to Your Profile: Open TikTok and tap the "Profile" icon.
2. Tap "Edit Profile": Find the button right below your profile picture and stats.
3. Select "Username": This is the second option, right below "Name."
4. Enter Your New Username: Type in your desired username. TikTok will immediately check its availability and show you a green checkmark if it's open or a red 'X' if someone else already has it. The username must be between 2 and 24 characters and can only contain letters, numbers, underscores, and periods.
5. Save and Confirm: Once you find a username you like that's available, tap "Save." TikTok will show you a confirmation pop-up explaining the rules. Tap "Set username" to finalize the change.

Before You Hit Save: What You Need to Know

Changing your username has permanent consequences. Read these points carefully before you commit:

• The 30-Day Lock: You can only change your username once every 30 days. There are no exceptions. If you make a typo or change your mind, you’re stuck with it for a full month.
• Your Old Username is Gone: The moment you change your username, your old one becomes available. Someone else can claim it immediately. If you have an established brand, another user could take your old name and potentially confuse your audience.
• Your URL Will Change: All old links to your profile will break. The link in your Instagram bio, on your website, or in any promotional materials will no longer work. You’ll have to update them everywhere.
• Risk of Losing Verification: If your account has a verification badge (the blue checkmark), changing your username could cause you to lose it. TikTok's verification is tied to your username's identity, and a change signals a potential identity shift. You would need to reapply through the proper channels.

Choosing the Perfect New TikTok Name: A Mini-Strategy Guide

Since changing your username is a big step, it’s worth putting thought into what your new name should be. It's more than just a name, it’s your brand. Here are a few tips to help you pick a winner:

Keep it Consistent Across Platforms

Your brand is strongest when people can find you easily everywhere. Before you commit to a new TikTok username, check if that same handle is available on Instagram, YouTube, X, and anywhere else you have a presence. Brand consistency makes you look professional and helps your fans find your other content. Tools like Namechk can check username availability across dozens of sites at once.

Make it Memorable and Easy to Say

Imagine someone mentioning your TikTok account in a conversation. Can they say your name easily? Complex spellings, a string of numbers, or too many special characters make your handle forgettable and hard to share via word-of-mouth. @ThatBudgetGuy is much stronger than @BudgetGuru_1985.

Hint at Your Topic or Niche

A great username gives potential followers an instant clue about your content. It pre-qualifies your audience and attracts the right kind of followers. For instance:

• @PlantBasedBri lets you know it’s about vegan food.
• @CodeWithCassie clearly signals a focus on programming tutorials.
• @VintageVanAdventures paints a picture of travel content with a retro vibe.

Watch Out for Unintended Meanings

This is a classic branding mistake. Jamming words together can sometimes create less-than-ideal new words within your username. Read your desired handle out loud, both slowly and quickly. Ask a friend for their first impression. You don't want to accidentally create a funny (or embarrassing) PR problem for your brand.

What to Do if Your Desired Username Is Taken

So, you’ve found the perfect username… and it’s taken. It’s frustrating, but it happens to everyone. Don't panic. Here are a few professional-looking ways to find an alternative that still works for your brand:

• Add a Simple Modifier: Prefixes and suffixes like "The," "Real," "Official," or "HQ" can work. For example, if @AlexJones is taken, try @TheAlexJones or @RealAlexJones. This is especially common for public figures.
• Incorporate a Key Term: Add a word that reflects what you do. If @Bloom is taken for your flower shop, try @BloomFlorals or @BloomAtelier. If you are a streamer, @KevinGaming.
• Use a Sensible Separator: A single period or underscore can often free up your desired name. @JohnSmith might be taken, but @John.Smith or @John_Smith could be available. Just try not to overdo it (@John_Smith_Official_88 is not the goal).
• Use a "Call to Action" or Phrase: Add a verb to your name. If you're a travel vlogger named Clara, @GoWithClara is catchy and unique. Or for a foodie blog, @TasteOfTuscany.

A word of caution: It's generally not a good idea to reach out to an inactive account holder to ask for their username. It rarely works and can come across as spammy. Your best bet is to focus on finding a creative, available alternative.

Final Thoughts

Changing your name on TikTok is straightforward, but the implications vary widely. Swapping your Nickname is a low-risk way to add personality and can be changed weekly. Altering your username, however, is a foundational branding decision with a 30-day lockout period, a permanent effect on your links, and the potential to disrupt your existing identity. Always plan your username change carefully before committing.

Once you’ve settled on the perfect name that reflects your brand, the focus shifts back to creating and managing your content consistently. Throughout our journey of designing scheduling tools for modern creators, we learned that a strong brand identity is only effective if people see it regularly. Building a consistent posting schedule after a rebrand helps your audience connect with your new name quickly. With the visual calendar in Postbase, we make it simple to plan your content across all your platforms, including TikTok, so your brand message stays strong and cohesive everywhere.