How to Change Your TikTok Handle

Thinking about giving your TikTok profile a fresh identity? Changing your username is a straightforward process, but it comes with a few important rules you need to know to protect your brand and audience. This guide walks you through the step-by-step process for changing both your username and nickname, what to consider before you hit save, and how to choose a new handle that helps you stand out.

Understanding the Difference: TikTok Username vs. Nickname

Before we go any further, it’s important to understand that your TikTok Username and Nickname are two completely different things. Confusing them can lead to mistakes, so let's clear it up.

Your Username is your unique @handle. It’s what people use to tag you in comments, captions, and videos. It also forms your unique TikTok URL (e.g., tiktok.com/@yourusername). No two users can have the same username. This is your primary identifier on the platform.

Your Nickname is your display name. This appears at the top of your profile and doesn't have to be unique, you and a hundred other people could have the nickname "TikTok Pro." It’s more flexible, easier to change, and serves a simpler purpose: showing people who you are at a glance.

Key Differences at a Glance:

• Uniqueness: Your username must be 100% unique. Your nickname can be whatever you want, even if someone else already uses it.
• The 30-Day Rule: You can only change your username once every 30 days. You can change your nickname more frequently, with a shorter 7-day waiting period.
• Usage: The username is for tagging, searching, and your profile URL. The nickname is purely a display name.
• Character Limits: Usernames can include letters, numbers, underscores, and periods. Nicknames can include special characters and emojis.

How to Change Your TikTok Username (The @Handle)

Ready to make the switch? The actual process only takes a few taps. Just be absolutely sure you're ready, because you won't be able to change it back or pick another one for a full month.

A Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Open the TikTok App and Go to Your Profile: Tap the "Profile" icon at the bottom-right corner of your screen to navigate to your main profile page.
2. Tap the 'Edit profile' button: Located right below your follower count, this button will take you to your profile settings page.
3. Select 'Username': You'll see your current username listed. Tap on it to open the editing screen.
4. Enter Your New Username: Type your new desired handle into the text field. TikTok will automatically check if the name is available and show you a green checkmark if it is. If it’s taken, a red 'X' will appear with a message saying "This username isn't available."
5. Save Your Changes: Once you've found an available username you're happy with, tap the "Save" button in the top-right corner. A pop-up will appear, reminding you that you can only change it once every 30 days. Tap "Set username" to confirm, and you're all done!

How to Change Your TikTok Nickname

Changing your nickname follows the same initial steps. Instead of selecting 'Username' in the 'Edit profile' menu, just tap on 'Name'. You can change this once every 7 days, and it's a great way to add a bit of personality or business info to the top of your profile without impacting your unique @handle.

The 4 Most Important Rules Before You Change Your Handle

The technical part is easy, but the strategic part is where people often get into trouble. Before you commit to a new username, take a moment to understand the consequences.

1. The 30-Day Lock-In Period

We've mentioned it, but it bears repeating: once you tap confirm, your username is locked for 30 days. There are no exceptions. This sounds simple, but a single typo can become a frustrating branding headache for a whole month. Triple-check your spelling before hitting save. You might want to type it into a notes app first to give it a careful read-through.

2. You Will Lose Your Verification Badge

This is a big deal for verified creators and brands. Changing your username on a verified account will automatically remove your blue checkmark. Getting verified is a tough process, and you don’t want to throw it away accidentally. If you’re verified and absolutely need to change your username, the best practice is to contact TikTok support directly to see if they can help facilitate the change without losing your badge, though it's not guaranteed.

3. All Your Old Links Will Break

Think about every place you’ve shared your TikTok profile link: your Instagram bio, your YouTube description, your business cards, your email signature, your company's website. As soon as you change your username, your old profile URL becomes a dead end. Anyone who clicks an old link will be greeted with a "User not found" error page.

Actionable Advice: Before changing your handle, make a checklist of every single place your TikTok URL is published. Immediately after making the change, go down that list and update every single link. Don't let valuable traffic bounce because of a broken link.

4. Keep Your Brand Consistent

Your username is a key part of your brand identity. People learn to recognize it. If your audience knows you as @TheBostonBaker and you suddenly become @KevinsCookieSource, you risk confusing your followers. Loyal fans might not recognize your new handle when your videos pop up on their For You Page, potentially leading to lower engagement.

If you're making a significant change, announce it to your audience before you do it. Make a video explaining the change and why you’re doing it. Pin that video to your profile for a few weeks after the switch so everyone stays in the loop.

Tips for Choosing a Great New TikTok Username

Changing your handle is a fantastic opportunity to create a more memorable, professional, and on-brand identity. Instead of just picking something random, use this chance to build a handle that serves you better.

Keep it Simple and Memorable

The best usernames are easy to remember, spell, and say out loud. Avoid using long strings of numbers, confusing characters like multiple underscores, or hard-to-spell words. If you have to spell out your handle for someone, it’s probably too complicated. Think short, catchy, and clear. For example, @LilyLovesLifting is much better than @LilyLifting_1998.

Align With Your Niche or Brand

Does your username give people a hint about what you do? Including keywords related to your niche makes your profile more discoverable and immediately tells new visitors what to expect. If you're a real estate agent in Miami, something like @MiamiHomesByJen is instantly clear. If you're a coder sharing programming tips, @CodeWithChris works perfectly.

Check for Availability... Everywhere

The holy grail of branding is having a consistent username across all social media platforms. Before you lock in your new TikTok handle, check if it’s available on Instagram, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Threads, and any other platform you use or plan to use. A universal handle makes it incredibly easy for fans from one platform to find and follow you on another, strengthening your brand ecosystem.

Future-Proof Your Handle

Avoid tying your username to something temporary. Naming your account @JennyGoesToSpain isn't ideal after your trip is over. Similarly, an account called @2024WeddingTips will feel dated in 2025. Think about the long-term vision for your brand or content. Choose a name that can grow with you, rather than one you’ll need to change again next year.

What if Your Desired TikTok Handle is Taken?

It's a common problem: you've found the perfect handle, but someone else beat you to it. Don't worry. Very few accounts are truly squatting on inactive names, and TikTok policies can free some up over time. But you don't have to wait. With a little creativity, you can still craft a professional username.

Add a Niche Word or Call to Action

This is often the best solution. If @YourName is taken, try a variation that explains what you do.

• Add a verb: @AskYourName, @CreateWithYourName
• Add a noun: YourNameCreative, YourNameMedia, TheYourNameShow
• Get specific: Add words like "Eats," "Codes," "Travels," or "Builds."

Use Modifiers or Prefixes

Simple additions can open up a world of available names. The trick is to do it without making the handle look spammy or unofficial.

• Try "The": @TheCreatorCoach
• Try "Real": @TheRealJaneDoe (This only works if you're establishing yourself as the official presence for that name.)
• Add "Official" or "HQ": These are great for businesses: @CompanyNameOfficial or @BrandNameHQ.

Incorporate Your Business Initialism

If your business is called "Jane Doe Consulting," and @JaneDoe is taken, @JaneDoeLLC or @JDC might be available. This can work for personal brands as well if you're known by your initials in your industry.

Final Thoughts

Changing your TikTok handle is a simple process, but the best results come from thoughtful planning. By understanding the rules, preparing your links, and choosing a name that reflects your brand, you can make the switch smoothly and set your profile up for long-term recognition and success.

Once you’ve locked in that perfect handle, keeping your brand consistent across all your social channels is the next big step. This is where a dedicated management tool becomes so valuable. Here at Postbase, we designed our platform to put your entire strategy in one place. With our clean visual calendar, you can plan and schedule content for TikTok, Instagram, and more, ensuring your branding - right down to that shiny new handle - is a perfect match everywhere you post.