How to Change Your TikTok Username

Thinking about giving your TikTok profile a fresh start? Choosing a new username is a quick fix that can have a big impact, whether you're rebranding, trying to be more discoverable, or simply outgrew your old handle from 2019. This guide will walk you through exactly how to change your TikTok username, the important rules you need to follow, and why picking the right handle is a bigger deal than you might think.

First, Understand the Difference: Username vs. Nickname

Before you change anything, it’s important to know the two names associated with your TikTok profile, because they serve different purposes. People often confuse them, but they are not the same thing.

• Your Username: This is your unique identifier, also known as your handle. It always starts with an "@" symbol (e.g., @yourusernamehere). This is what people use to tag you in comments, descriptions, and videos. It’s also the name that appears in your unique profile URL (tiktok.com/@yourusernamehere). No two users can have the same username.
• Your Nickname (or Display Name): This is the name shown in bold at the top of your profile. It doesn't have to be unique, you and dozens of other users can have the same nickname. This name is more flexible - you can use emojis, special characters, and change it more frequently.

Your username is your digital address on TikTok, while your nickname is more like the nameplate on your door. One is unique and functional for searching and tagging, while the other is primarily for display.

How to Change Your TikTok Username in 5 Easy Steps

Changing your handle is a straightforward process you can complete directly in the app in under a minute. Just follow these instructions.

1. Go to Your Profile: Open the TikTok app and tap the Profile icon, located in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
2. Tap "Edit Profile": Right below your profile picture and follower count, you'll see a prominent "Edit Profile" button. Tap it.
3. Select Your Username: In the "About You" section, you'll see options for your Name (your nickname) and Username. Tap on Username.
4. Enter Your New Username: Erase your current username and type in the new one you want. As you type, TikTok will automatically check if the name is available. If it is, a green checkmark will appear. If it’s taken, a red 'X' will show up with a message saying, "This username isn't available."
5. Save Your Changes: Once you find an available name you’re happy with, tap the Save button in the top-right corner. A confirmation box will appear to remind you that you can only change it once every 30 days. Confirm your choice, and you’re all set!

Your new username is now live. Your new profile URL will be active immediately, and users will need to use your new @handle to tag you.

Before You Hit 'Save': Rules for Changing Your TikTok Username

While the process is simple, TikTok does enforce a few important restrictions to prevent manipulation, spam, and brand confusion. Understanding these rules before you make the switch can save you from a major headache later.

The 30-Day Lock-In Period Is Real

This is the single most important rule to remember: you can only change your TikTok username once every 30 days. Once you hit save, that's it. You're committed to your new name for the next month, no exceptions. If you make a typo or have second thoughts a day later, you'll have to wait until the 30-day period is over.

TikTok enforces this to prevent users from rapidly changing their identity, which could be used for spammy behavior, impersonating others, or evading bans. So, double-check and triple-check your new name for spelling before you finalize it.

What Happens to Your Old Username?

The moment you save your new username, your old one is released back into the public pool of available names. This means someone else can claim it immediately. If you've built a strong brand around your original handle, be aware that you might lose it forever. There’s no grace period to reclaim it if you change your mind.

Username Character Requirements

Your new TikTok username has to follow certain formatting rules. It must:

• Only contain letters, numbers, underscores (_), and periods (.).
• Not end with a period.
• Be between 2 and 24 characters long.

You can't use dashes, spaces, emojis, or any other special characters in your username.

Changing Your Username If You're Verified

If you're one of the lucky few with a blue verification badge, think very carefully before changing your username. Changing your username will cause you to lose your verification. You will have to go through TikTok's verification process all over again to try and get the blue check back, and there are no guarantees. For verified creators and brands, it's almost always a better idea to stick with your current username.

More Than a Handle: Why Your TikTok Username Matters for Growth

Your username might seem like a small detail, but in the fast-paced world of social media, it's a critical part of your brand identity. A great username can help you grow, while a confusing or generic one can hold you back.

1. It's Your Digital Business Card

Your username is often the first thing people see. It’s how they remember you and find you later. A username like @cutepuppies123_official is far more memorable and searchable than @user8675309_2. A strong username clearly communicates what you're about and sticks in people’s minds.

2. It Enables Brand Consistency Across Platforms

Audiences today expect to find their favorite creators on multiple platforms. Having the same or a very similar username on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and X makes you instantly recognizable. If a fan discovers your video on their TikTok For You page, they should be able to type that same username into Instagram’s search bar and find you right away. This cross-platform consistency builds brand recognition and makes it easier for your community to follow you everywhere.

If your handle is @danstrivels on TikTok, your goal should be to secure @danstrivels on every other platform you use.

3. It Can Signal Your Niche and Expertise

A smart username can instantly tell newcomers what your content is about, making them more likely to follow you. For example:

• @TheBudgetBaker immediately signals content about affordable baking.
• @FitAfterFifty clearly targets a specific demographic with fitness content.
• @VintageVibesLiving tells you the account is focused on retro aesthetics and lifestyle.

Your username can act as a mini-billboard that attracts the right kind of followers.

The Handle You Want is Taken? Try These Creative Ideas

So, you’ve found the perfect username, but TikTok tells you it’s already taken. It happens to everyone. Before you give up and settle for a long string of numbers, try some of these proven strategies to find a great alternative that's still on-brand and available.

• Add a Prefix or Suffix: Simple additions can free up your desired name. Try adding words like "The," "Official," "Real," "Ask," or "Get." For example, if @janecreative is taken, try @therealjanecreative.
• Incorporate Your Niche or Value Prop: Add a word that describes what you do. If you're a graphic designer, you could try @janecreative.designs. If you’re a coach, @janecreative.co. This adds context and often frees up the name.
• Use "HQ" or ".com": For businesses, adding "HQ" (for headquarters) can add a professional touch and make a username available (e.g., @BrandNameHQ).
• Try an Action Verb: Add a verb that relates to your business or content, like @LetsAskJane or @JaneBuilds.
• Use a Period or Underscore Strategically: Try adding a period or underscore to break up your name differently. For example, if @janedoe is taken, @jane.doe or @jane_doe might be free. A word of caution: don’t overdo it. Too many underscores or periods make your username hard to type and remember. Keep it simple.
• Use Your Location: If you're a local business or your content is location-specific, adding your city initial or state can unlock your name. For example, @janecreativenyc or @janecreativeca.

One common question is whether you can get an inactive username. Unfortunately, TikTok does not have a process for claiming inactive usernames. Even if an account hasn't posted in years, you can’t request to take over its handle. Your only hope is that the username is eventually released by TikTok, but there is no timeline or guarantee for this.

Final Thoughts

Changing your TikTok username is incredibly simple, but the decision carries weight. Your handle is a cornerstone of your online identity, influencing everything from first impressions to cross-platform branding. Remember the 30-day rule, aim for a name that's memorable and consistent, and you'll set your profile up for success.

Managing that new brand identity consistently across every platform is where the real work begins. As we've built tools for modern social media managers, we saw firsthand how challenging it is to keep your content on-brand and on-schedule, especially with the chaos of short-form video. That’s why we designed our visual calendar in Postbase to give you a clear view of your entire strategy across TikTok, Instagram, and more, helping you plan ahead instead of just keeping up.