How to Check if a TikTok Handle Is Available

You’ve found the perfect TikTok handle, the one that perfectly captures your brand, personality, or business. But before you get too attached, you need to answer one simple question: is it available? This article walks you through the fastest ways to check if your desired TikTok username is up for grabs and gives you a solid game plan for what to do if it’s already taken.

Why Your TikTok Handle Is So Important

Your TikTok handle (or username) is more than just a name, it’s the cornerstone of your brand identity on the platform. It appears on your profile, in every comment you leave, and in the "For You" Page feed next to your content. A great handle is your digital address, your first impression, and a critical tool for discoverability all rolled into one.

Think about it:

• It’s how people find you. A simple, memorable handle is easy for followers to search for and tag in their own videos. A complicated one full of underscores or random numbers creates friction and makes it harder for you to be found.
• It reflects your brand. Whether you're a comedian, a small business, or a creator showcasing a hobby, your handle should align with the content you create. A name like @BobsPlumbingNYC immediately communicates value, while @FunnyBizCoach sets a clear expectation for a user's content.
• It provides consistency. If possible, using the same handle across all your social media platforms (Instagram, YouTube, X, etc.) creates a cohesive brand experience. It allows your audience to find you everywhere without having to guess at variations.

Your handle is a piece of digital real estate. Choosing a great one from the start saves you the headache of rebranding later and helps build momentum from your very first post.

Method 1: The Quickest and Most Accurate - The In-App Check

The most straightforward and reliable way to see if a username is available is by using the TikTok app itself. When you try to create a username, TikTok gives you instant feedback. You don't even need to complete the sign-up process, making this a quick and painless test.

Step-by-Step Guide for New Accounts

Step 1: Open the TikTok App and Head to the "Sign Up" Page

If you’re already logged in, you'll first need to log out. Tap on your Profile at the bottom right, tap the three lines at the top right, go to Settings and privacy, scroll all the way down, and tap Log out. Once you're out, tap the Profile icon on the main screen, and you will see the "Sign Up" button.

Step 2: Start the Sign-Up Process (Don't Worry, You Won't Finish It)

Tap "Sign Up" and choose any method to begin, like "Use phone or email." Enter a random birthdate that makes you over 18 - this is just to get you to the username screen. You won't actually be creating an account, so these details don't matter.

Step 3: Arrive at the "Create Username" Screen

This is where the magic happens. TikTok will suggest a username for you, but you can ignore it. Tap on the username field and type in the handle you want to check.

Step 4: Look for Instant Feedback: The Green Check or the Red "X"

This is the moment of truth. As you type, TikTok will automatically check if the name is available.

• A green checkmark will appear to the right of the username box. This is great news! It means the handle is available and ready for you to claim.
• A red "X" icon with a message like "Username isn't available" will appear. This means someone else already has that exact username. TikTok will often suggest alternatives with numbers or underscores added.

You can repeat this process as many times as you need to test out different username ideas. Since you never complete the process by hitting "Sign Up," no account is ever created.

How to Check If You Are Already Logged In

If you already have an account and are just curious about changing your current handle, the process is slightly different. Keep in mind that TikTok only allows you to change your username once every 30 days.

1. Navigate to your Profile.
2. Tap the Edit profile button right below your follower count.
3. Tap on your current Username.
4. Type in your new desired username in the field.
5. Just like in the sign-up process, TikTok will show you either a green checkmark if it's free or a red message if it's taken.

If it is available and you want it, you can tap Save. Just be certain you're happy with it before confirming, because you’ll be locked in for 30 days.

Method 2: Use a Web Browser - The URL Trick

Another simple way to check for a handle's availability is to use a standard web browser on your phone or desktop. Every TikTok profile has a unique URL, and you can leverage this format to see if a profile already exists for your desired name.

Step-by-Step Guide for the Browser Method

Step 1: Open Any Web Browser

This works on Chrome, Safari, Firefox - it doesn’t matter which one you use. Open a new tab to get started.

Step 2: Type a Specific TikTok URL into the Address Bar

The standard URL structure for a TikTok profile is always: tiktok.com/@username. Replace "username" with the exact handle you want to check. For example, if you wanted to see if "@CreatorStrategies" was taken, you would type:

tiktok.com/@creatorstrategies

Make sure to type it directly into the address bar at the top, not into the Google search bar.

Step 3: Analyze the Page That Loads

What you see next will tell you everything you need to know.

• If a profile page loads showing a user's bio, video feed, and follower count, the username is taken. It doesn't matter if the account has zero videos or a blank profile picture - as long as a profile exists, the handle is unavailable.
• If a page loads with a "Couldn't find this account" message and prompts you to browse other videos, it means no profile is associated with that handle. This is a very strong signal that the username is available for you to claim.

While the browser method is fast, the in-app check is slightly more definitive, as it accounts for recently deleted or suspended accounts that might not immediately appear free in a browser. Using both methods gives you 100% confidence.

Your Perfect Handle Is Taken? Here's What to Do Next.

Finding out your first-choice username is already claimed is a common hurdle, but it's not a dealbreaker. Instead of giving up, think of it as a creative challenge. Here are some proven strategies for coming up with a fantastic alternative that’s still on-brand and memorable.

1. Add a Simple Modifier or Prefix

Often, a small addition is all you need to find an available handle. The key is to add something that feels natural and professional, not random.

• Add "I am," "The," or "Real": If "@JaneDoe" is taken, try "@IAmJaneDoe," "@TheJaneDoe," or "@RealJaneDoe." These are common, easily understood modifiers.
• Add "Official": This works especially well for businesses or public figures. "@SuperSoapCo" becomes "@SuperSoapCoOfficial."
• Add "HQ": Another great option for businesses, "HQ" (for headquarters) looks clean and professional. For example, "@BrandMakers" could become "@BrandMakersHQ."

2. Make It Niche-Specific

Incorporate a word that describes what you do. This not only helps you find an available name but also immediately tells visitors what your page is about.

• For a chef: "@ChefMichael," "@MichaelCooks," or "@MichaelsKitchen."
• For a fitness coach: "@CoachSarah," "@SarahFit," or "@GetFitWithSarah."
• For a real estate agent: "@LArealtorJess," "JessSellsHomes," or "@MovedByJess."

3. Use Underscores or Periods (Wisely)

Periods (.) and underscores (_) are the only special characters TikTok allows in usernames. A well-placed character can make a taken name available. However, use them sparingly, as too many can make your handle harder to remember and type.

• "@Jane.Doe" or "@Jane_Doe" are simple and clean.
• "@_JaneDoe" or "@JaneDoe_" are also common variations.

Quick tip: Avoid using both, and avoid double underscores (e.g., "@Jane__Doe"), as these often look spammy and are difficult for others to get right when tagging you.

4. Get Creative with Verbs or Calls to Action

Add a word that invites engagement. This can make your handle not just available, but more dynamic and appealing.

• "@MeetTheSmalls" for a family page.
• "@AskDrEvans" for an expert Q&A account.
• "@JoinThePack" for a dog-focused community.

Important Note on "Inactive" Accounts

You may stumble upon a taken username where the account has no posts, no profile picture, and hasn't been active in years. It's tempting to think you could somehow claim it. Unfortunately, TikTok does not release inactive usernames upon request. There is no process to report an account as inactive to claim its handle. Attempting to message the account owner is usually a dead end, as a truly inactive user will never see your DM. Save your time and energy by focusing on finding a great alternative instead of waiting for a handle that will likely never become free.

Final Thoughts

Finding an available TikTok handle that aligns with your brand is a simple process once you know where to look. Using the in-app signup screen or the browser URL method gives you a clear answer in seconds, allowing you to quickly secure your name or pivot to a creative alternative if your first choice is taken.

Once you’ve secured that perfect handle, the real work of creating content begins. Consistency is everything on video-first platforms like TikTok, and a good workflow makes all the difference. That's why we created Postbase, a social media tool designed for how people actually create content today. Instead of juggling apps or struggling with tools built for a text-and-photo era, we allow you to plan all your videos in one visual calendar, schedule them reliably for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts, and reclaim hours of your time.