How to Change Your Profile Name on TikTok

Ready to update your TikTok profile name but not sure where to start? You're in the right place. This guide walks you through exactly how to change both your display name and your unique @username on TikTok, explains the crucial differences between them, and shares some advice on how to pick a name that helps you grow.

First, Know the Difference: Profile Name vs. Username

Before making any changes, it’s important to understand that TikTok has two types of names, and they function very differently. Confusing them can lead to frustration, especially with TikTok’s timers that lock you out of making changes.

What is a TikTok Profile Name?

Your Profile Name is the name that appears in bold at the top of your profile page. Think of it as your display name. It's what people will see most often when they see your videos or read your comments. Here’s what you need to know about it:

• It's not unique. You and a thousand other creators can all have the Profile Name "Marketing Tips" or "Jenna's Creations."
• It's highly visible. This is the name shown on your profile, under your profile picture in the For You Page, and next to your comments.
• You can be creative. You can use spaces, special characters, and emojis to make it stand out. It has a character limit, but it's generally flexible.
• There's a 7-day waiting period. Once you change it, you can't change it again for seven days. This is a key limitation to remember.

What is a TikTok Username?

Your Username is your unique identifier on the platform. It starts with an "@" symbol (e.g., @yourbrand) and is essentially your digital address on TikTok.

• It must be unique. No two users on TikTok can have the same username. Once you claim one, it’s yours until you change it.
• It's your profile URL. Your username makes up your personal TikTok link: tiktok.com/@yourusername. If you change your username, this link will change, breaking any old links you’ve shared elsewhere.
• It has strict formatting rules. Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, underscores, and periods. Spaces and most special characters aren't allowed.
• There's a 30-day waiting period. This is the big one. Once you change your username, you absolutely cannot change it again for 30 days. Your old username also becomes available for someone else to claim immediately.

Understanding this distinction is key. For most creators, the Profile Name is great for branding and keywords, while the Username is about having a consistent, recognizable handle across the web.

How to Change Your TikTok Profile Name (Step-by-Step)

Changing your display name is a quick process, as long as you haven't changed it within the last seven days. Just follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Open TikTok and Go to Your Profile

Launch the TikTok app on your device. On the main screen, tap the Profile icon located at the bottom-right corner of the screen. This will take you to your personal profile page where you can see all your content and bio information.

Step 2: Tap on "Edit Profile"

Once on your profile page, look for the Edit profile button, which is located directly below your follower count and bio. Tap it to open the screen where you can modify your profile details.

Step 3: Find and Select the "Name" Field

In the Edit profile menu, you will see a list of editable fields like your profile photo, username, and bio. The very first option at the top will be Name. Tap on this field to open a new screen where you can edit your current Profile Name.

Step 4: Enter Your New Name and Save

Type in your desired new Profile Name. Remember, you can use spaces and even some emojis here up to 30 characters. Once you're happy with it, tap the Save button in the top-right corner.

That's it! Your new Profile Name will immediately update across the app. Just remember, you'll have to wait seven days if you decide you want to change it again.

How to Change Your TikTok Username (The Critical Details)

Changing your @username is just as easy, but the consequences are more significant. Before you begin, be 100% sure about your new username - the 30-day lockout is strict, and your old name will be up for grabs.

Step 1: Go to the "Edit Profile" Screen

Just like before, open the TikTok app, navigate to your Profile page, and tap the Edit profile button.

Step 2: Tap on the "Username" Field

In the list of options, find the Username field, usually located right below your Name. Tap on it. A new screen will appear where you can set your new username.

Step 3: Type in Your New Username and Check Availability

Start typing the new username you want. As you type, TikTok will automatically check if the name is available. A green checkmark will appear to the right of the text box if the username is unique and available. If you see a red 'x', it means someone else already has that username, or it doesn't meet the formatting criteria.

Step 4: Confirm and Save Your New Username

Once you've found an available username you love, tap the Save button in the top-right corner. TikTok will show a final confirmation pop-up, reminding you that you can't change it again for 30 days. If you're certain, tap Set username to confirm the change.

Your username and profile URL will update instantly. Make sure you go and update your profile link in your other social media bios, on your website, or anywhere else you've shared it.

Choosing a Name That Works: Pro Tips for Creators and Brands

Your TikTok name isn't just a label, it’s a core part of your brand identity. A strategic name can make you more discoverable and memorable. Here are some pointers to help you pick the right one.

1. Keep It Consistent Across Platforms

The number one rule for building a strong social media presence is consistency. If your Instagram handle is @socialsavvyjane and your YouTube channel is "Social Savvy Jane," you want your TikTok username to be @socialsavvyjane, too. This makes it incredibly easy for your audience to find you everywhere without having to guess your handle on different apps.

2. Make It Memorable and Easy to Spell

Avoid complicated spellings, long strings of numbers, or confusing characters. Word-of-mouth is still one of the most powerful marketing tools. If someone wants to tell their friend about your amazing TikToks, you want them to be able to say, "look up 'Mike's Woodshop'," not "look up 'Myk's-Wood-Shopz-123'." A clean, simple name sticks in the mind and is far easier to search for.

3. Reflect Your Content and Niche

Your name should give a new visitor a quick idea of what your account is about. If you're a baker, including words like "bakes," "kitchen," or "sweets" in your name is a smart move. For example, "@LilasKitchen" is much more descriptive than "@LilaAnderson94." This also has a benefit for TikTok SEO - when people search for "baking tips," an account with "bake" in the name has a better chance of appearing.

4. Plan for the Future

Think about where you want your brand to be in a year or two. Don't pick a name so specific that it boxes you in. For example, if you start with "@ChicagoVeganEats," what happens when you move to Denver or want to cover vegan lifestyle topics beyond just food? A broader name like "@TheCompassionatePlate" might offer more room to grow while still clearly communicating your niche.

FAQs and Troubleshooting Common Issues

Why can’t I change my TikTok name or username? It’s grayed out!

This is almost always due to the waiting periods. If you can't edit your Profile Name, it's because you've already changed it within the last 7 days. If you can't edit your Username, it's because you've changed it within the last 30 days. Unfortunately, there's no way to bypass this, you simply have to wait for the timer to expire.

What happens if my dream username is already taken?

It's a common problem. Don't panic! Get creative with slight variations. You can try:

• Adding a prefix: think "The," "Real," or "Official" (e.g., @TheJennaWilliams)
• Adding a keyword related to your niche: (e.g., @JennaWilliamsCreates or @JennaWilliamsWrites)
• Using an underscore or a period to break up the words: (e.g., @Jenna_Williams or @Jenna.Williams)
• Adding your location or a simple suffix: (e.g. @JennaWilliamsNYC or @JennaWilliamsCo)

Will I lose my followers, videos, or verification if I change my username?

No, you won't. All of your videos, followers, likes, comments, and direct messages are tied to your account, not your username. They will all remain exactly as they were. If you have a verified account (the blue checkmark), it will also transfer to your new username. However, it's a good practice to keep username changes to a minimum if you're verified, as it can sometimes cause platforms to review the verification status.

Final Thoughts

Changing your TikTok name is a straightforward process, but knowing the rules - especially the 7-day name limit and the 30-day username lock - is essential to get it right without any headaches. Use your Profile Name for creative branding and discoverability, and treat your Username as a permanent, consistent handle that your audience can rely on across the web.

When you're managing multiple social profiles, keeping your brand identity consistent everywhere can be a real headache. As someone who lives and breathes social media management, I've found leveraging a visual calendar makes all the difference. Using a platform like Postbase gives us a high-level view of our entire content strategy across different platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. This makes it so much simpler to plan content and ensure all our brand touchpoints, from handles to hashtags, stay perfectly aligned.