How to Change TikTok Username

Thinking about a new TikTok username? You’re in the right place. Changing it is a straightforward process, but it comes with a few strings attached that are important to understand before you commit. This guide will walk you through the exact steps to change your username, explain the crucial rules TikTok has in place, and offer branding advice to help you pick a handle that perfectly fits your vibe and goals.

How to Change Your TikTok Username: A Step-by-Step Guide

The technical part of changing your username takes less than a minute. Just follow these simple instructions directly within the TikTok app.

Step 1: Go to Your Profile Page
Open the TikTok app and tap on the "Profile" icon located in the bottom-right corner of your screen. This will take you to your main profile page where you can see your video grid, bio, and follower count.

Step 2: Tap "Edit profile"
Just below your follower count and bio, you'll see a prominent "Edit profile" button. Tap on it to open the screen where you can modify your entire profile, including your name, username, bio, and social links.

Step 3: Select Your Username
In the "Edit profile" menu, look for the "Username" field. It will show your current @handle. Tap on this field to open a new screen where you can edit it.

Step 4: Enter Your New Username
This is your moment. Type your desired new username into the text box. As you type, TikTok will automatically check if the username is available. If it's already taken by another user, a red "X" will appear with a message saying "This username isn't available." If it’s available, you’ll see a green checkmark. Keep tweaking until you find an available option you love.

Step 5: Save and Confirm
Once you see that green checkmark, tap the "Save" button in the top-right corner. A confirmation box will pop up to remind you of TikTok's 30-day rule. It will state: “You can change your username once every 30 days.” If you’re ready to proceed, tap "Set username" to finalize the change.

And that’s it! Your username is officially updated across the platform.

Before You Change: Critical TikTok Rules and Limitations

While the process is easy, TikTok has some important rules in place to prevent spam and confusion. Knowing these ahead of time will save you from potential headaches.

The 30-Day Lock-In Period

This is the most important rule of all: you can only change your TikTok username once every 30 days. Once you hit that final confirmation button, you are locked into your new username for a full month. There are no workarounds or exceptions to this rule.

This means you need to be absolutely certain about your new choice. A typo, a last-minute change of heart, or realizing you made a branding mistake after the fact can’t be fixed for 30 days. Double-check your spelling, say the username out loud, and make sure it’s exactly what you want before you commit.

Username Character Requirements

TikTok has a few technical restrictions for usernames to keep them clean and standardized. Your handle must adhere to the following:

• Length: It must be between 2 and 24 characters long.
• Allowed Characters: You can only use letters, numbers, underscores (_), and periods (.).
• Special Characters: Dashes, spaces, and other symbols are not allowed.
• No Final Period: You cannot end your username with a period.

These restrictions are pretty standard across social platforms. If your desired name isn't accepted, check to make sure it follows these simple rules.

Every Username Must Be Unique

This goes without saying, but no two users on TikTok can have the exact same username. If you try to save a username that's already in use, you’ll be prompted to try something else. This often requires a little creativity, especially if you have a common name or are building a brand in a popular niche.

What Actually Happens After You Change Your Username?

Changing your username is more than just a cosmetic update. It has real, tangible effects on how your profile is found and linked across the internet. Here's a breakdown of what to expect.

Your Profile URL Will Change

Your TikTok profile URL is formatted as `tiktok.com/@yourusername`. When you update your username, this URL updates with it. This is a big deal if you've linked to your TikTok from other places. You'll need to go and update your link on:

• Your Instagram, YouTube, X, or Facebook bios.
• Your Linktree, Beacons, or other "link in bio" services.
• Your personal or business website.
• Your email signature.
• Any digital business cards or speaker bios.

If you forget to update these links, they will lead to a "Couldn't find this account" error page, cutting off a potential traffic source for new followers.

Old Mentions and Tags Will Break

When someone mentions you in a video description or comment, they use your @username. If you change your handle from @OldHandle to @NewHandle, all previous mentions of @OldHandle will effectively become dead links. They will still appear as text, but they will no longer navigate to your profile when tapped.

This can affect your visibility and social proof. For example, if a major creator Duetted your video and tagged your old handle, that valuable shoutout will no longer direct their audience back to your page. There is no way to retroactively fix this, so it’s an important trade-off to consider.

What About Verification?

If you have a coveted blue checkmark next to your name, proceed with extreme caution. Changing your username while verified can sometimes result in the loss of your verification badge. The verification is tied to the account's identity, and a significant change like a username can trigger a re-evaluation process by TikTok. While not guaranteed to happen, the risk is there. It's often recommended for verified accounts to avoid username changes unless absolutely necessary for a major rebrand.

How to Choose a Great New TikTok Username for Your Brand

Your username is your digital identity. It's how people will find you, remember you, and talk about you. Treating it like the important piece of branding it is will set you up for long-term success. Here are a few strategies for picking the right one.

Aim for Cross-Platform Consistency

The ideal scenario is to have the same username across all of your social media platforms. `@YourBrand` on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and X makes it incredibly easy for your audience to find you everywhere. It builds brand recognition and creates a seamless, professional digital presence. Before settling on a TikTok name, check if it's also available on your other primary platforms.

Make it Short, Simple, and Memorable

The best usernames are easy to remember, spell, and say out loud. Think about how someone would search for you after hearing about your profile on a podcast or from a friend.

• Avoid Double Underscores: Something like `@brians__kitchen` can be hard to verbally communicate ("Brian's underscore underscore kitchen").
• Go Easy on Numbers: Unless numbers are part of your brand name, avoid them. `@saras-designs87` feels less professional than `@sarasdesigns`.
• Be Easy to Type: Complicated spellings or long strings of letters can be a barrier for people trying to find you.

Reflect Your Content or Niche

A good username can instantly communicate what your account is about. This helps attract the right kind of followers - the ones who are actively looking for your content.

For example:

• A food blogger: `@EatWithMaria` is better than `@MariaGomez123`.
• A fitness coach: `@FitCoachJames` is stronger than `@JamesF_Official`.
• A small business that sells candles: `@TheCozyCandleCo` is more descriptive than `@CozyCoLLC`.

What If Your First Choice Is Taken?

Don't worry, this happens to everyone. Here are some creative ways to find a great alternative when your ideal handle is unavailable:

• Add a Modifier: Try adding a keyword like "the," "real," "official," or "HQ." For example, if `@GlowSkincare` is taken, try `@TheGlowSkincare`.
• Use Your Industry or Niche: If `@bloomfloral` is unavailable, you could try `@BloomFloralDesigns` or `@BloomFloralNYC`.
• Incorporate a Call to Action: A real estate agent could try `@AskAgentSarah` or a consultant could use `@WorkWithMike`.
• Use a Period or Underscore Intelligently: While random underscores should be avoided, a strategic one can work. `@Jasmine.Creates` can be a clean alternative to `@JasmineCreates` if the latter is taken.

Final Thoughts

Changing your TikTok username is a simple action with significant consequences for your brand's online presence. By following the steps carefully and understanding the 30-day rule, broken links, and brand implications, you can make a seamless switch that better reflects your identity and helps you grow your audience.

As your social presence expands, managing a consistent brand voice and content schedule across TikTok, Reels, and Shorts becomes a huge challenge. We find that one of the best ways to stay organized is by using a visual calendar to plan everything in one place. Using Postbase ourselves allows us to schedule all our short-form video content from a single dashboard, which frees up time and mental space to focus on what really matters: creating great content.