How to Request a Username on Instagram

Your business name is locked in, your branding is perfect, and you have the ideal Instagram username in mind - only to discover it’s already taken. This frustrating discovery isn't always the end of the road, but getting that coveted handle requires strategy and a clear understanding of what works and what doesn't. This guide breaks down every practical method for requesting a username on Instagram, from official trademark claims to direct negotiation, so you can make the best move for your brand.

Understanding Instagram's Username Policies: What You Can (and Can't) Do

Before you start, it’s important to manage your expectations based on Instagram's official rules. In most cases, usernames are granted on a first-come, first-served basis. If someone registered a username before you, it's generally theirs unless specific circumstances are met. Let's look at what those are.

What Does "Inactive" Really Mean?

You might have found an account that hasn't posted in years. It seems completely abandoned and you think, "This is perfect, Instagram will just give it to me." Unfortunately, that’s not how it works. An account's inactivity is determined by login activity, not public posts. Someone could be logging in to lurk every day without ever posting a photo.

Instagram’s official policy is clear: they do not release usernames due to inactivity. Reporting an account as "inactive" won't transfer the handle to you. There is no formal process to request a dormant username. This saves their support team from being flooded with requests and protects user privacy. The account holder might return at any time, and their username will be waiting for them.

Trademark vs. Inactive: The Most Important Distinction

This is where you might have an official path forward. The one exception to the "first-come, first-served" rule is trademark infringement. If an account is using a username that is identical or confusingly similar to your legally registered trademark, you have a strong case. Instagram has a specific legal process for this.

Instagram also has policies against "username squatting," which is when an account is created with the sole intention of selling it, preventing others from using it, or holding it for ransom. Proving this intent can be difficult, but it falls under violating the platform's terms of service and strengthens a trademark claim.

Method 1: The Trademark Infringement Report (Your Strongest Official Option)

If you have a registered trademark for your business name, this is your most powerful tool. A trademark is a legally protected name, logo, or slogan that identifies your brand and its goods or services. Simply having registered your business as an LLC is not the same as having a registered trademark from an official body like the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

If you have this protection, you can file a formal report with Instagram. Here’s how to do it.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing a Trademark Report

1. Navigate to the Form: The best place to start is Instagram’s "Report a Trademark Violation" form. This is the official channel for handling these issues.
2. Gather Your Information: You’ll need specific details to prove your ownership. Have these ready:
   • Your contact information (name, address, email).
   • The name of your trademarked brand.
   • A link to your trademark registration. A registration number is essential here.
   • The exact Instagram username you are reporting.
   • A clear description of how the username infringes on your trademark.
3. Explain the Infringement Clearly: In the text box provided, explain why the account's username violates your trademark rights. Focus on facts. For example: "The username @[examplebrand] is identical to our registered trademark, '[Example Brand],' (Registration No. 12345). The account is preventing us from using our brand name on this platform and is likely to cause confusion among consumers searching for our official presence."
4. Submit and Wait: After submitting, the case goes to Instagram's legal team for review. This process can take several weeks or even months. There's no guaranteed timeline, so patience is a must. If your claim is successful, Instagram may release the username to you or simply remove the infringing account, freeing up the handle.

What if I Don't Have a Registered Trademark?

If your trademark isn't officially registered, you may still have "common law" trademark rights just by operating your business under that name. However, bringing a successful claim to Instagram without a registration number is significantly harder. The burden of proof is much higher, and Instagram is less likely to act. If your brand is your business, consulting with a trademark attorney and starting the registration process is the best long-term move, even beyond securing your Instagram handle.

Method 2: Contacting the Account Holder Directly (The Diplomatic Approach)

If the username isn't a trademark infringement but is just being held by someone who isn't really using it, your best bet is often a polite, direct conversation. It's a long shot, but it costs nothing to try and you might be surprised by the result.

How to Find and Contact the Owner

• Check the Bio and Linktree: First, look at the account's bio. Is there an email address, a website, or a Linktree? A personal website or blog is a great place to find different contact information.
• Search on Other Platforms: Try searching for the exact same username on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, or even Gmail. People often reuse handles across platforms. A LinkedIn profile is a fantastic find, as it gives you a professional way to connect.
• Send a Thoughtful DM: If all else fails, a Direct Message on Instagram is your last resort. Since the account is inactive, they may not see it for a long time, if ever. But it's worth a try.

Tips for Crafting the Perfect Outreach Message

How you ask is everything. Don't be demanding or sound entitled. Be friendly, human, and clear.

Here’s a structure you can follow:


"Hi [Name, if you can find it],

My name is [Your Name] and I'm the founder of a small business called [Your Brand Name]. I'm reaching out because we're launching on Instagram and noticed you have the username @[TheUsername].

It's the perfect match for our brand, and since it looks like you haven't used the account in a while, I was hoping you might be willing to transfer it to us.

I'd be happy to compensate you for your time and trouble. Please let me know if this is something you'd be open to discussing.

Thanks so much for considering it!

Best,
[Your Name]"


A quick but important warning: Instagram's terms of service technically forbid the sale or purchase of usernames. The wording "compensate you for your time and trouble" is a softer way to approach a financial offer. Be prepared for the user to name their price. Decide ahead of time what the username is worth to you and don't get drawn into a bidding war. If a price is agreed upon, the user must give you the login credentials to securely transfer the account.

Method 3: Filing an Impersonation Report (A Specific Use Case)

This method should be used with extreme caution and only when it’s truly applicable. An impersonation report is not a backdoor to getting an inactive username. It's for situations where an account is actively and maliciously pretending to be you, your brand, or someone you represent.

Impersonation requires deceptive intent. For example, if the account @[yourbrandname] is posting content pretending to be you, speaking on behalf of your brand, or trying to trick your customers, that's impersonation. If it's just a dormant account holding the username, it's not.

You can file an impersonation report through the Instagram Help Center. You'll need to provide proof of identity (like a government-issued ID or business documentation) to prove you are who you say you are. Misusing this feature could lead to action against your own account, so please: do not file a false impersonation report.

What Absolutely Does Not Work: Myths and Dead Ends

The internet is full of bad advice on this topic. To save you time and potential heartache, here are some common myths that are simply not true.

• Myth: Reporting an account as "inactive" gets it freed up. As stated before, Instagram does not release usernames based on inactivity reports. This is the most prevalent myth, and it’s a complete waste of time.
• Myth: Third-party services can get you any username. You will find websites and shadowy "username brokers" who claim they can get any Instagram handle for a fee. Most of these are scams. Those that aren't often use illicit methods like hacking, which can not only get your own account banned but also open you up to legal trouble. Avoid them entirely.
• Myth: Repeatedly contacting Instagram support will work. Their general support channels are not equipped to handle individual username requests. You'll likely receive a canned response pointing you back to their standard policies.

Alternative Strategies: What to Do If You Can't Get the Username

So you've tried everything and you still can't get the clean @yourbrand handle. Don't worry, your brand is not doomed. Some of the most successful brands on Instagram use modified usernames. Your username is just one piece of your brand identity, and there are brilliant ways to work around it.

• Use a prefix or a suffix: Many brands add an extra word to their handle. You could try @wearebrand, @brand.official, or add a location, like @brand.us. This keeps your brand name recognizable.
• Get creative with a modifier: A lot of SaaS brands use this trick well. @tryghost, @clickupapp, and @usetonic are all fantastic examples. The right modifier can even act as a call to action.
• Use punctuation: Periods and underscores are your friends. If @maven is taken, you could try @ma.ven or @maven_hq. These variations often flow well and look professional.
• Focus on your Display Name: Remember that the bolded name at the top of your profile is what’s most visible in search and on your content. Keep this clear of clutter and use your full brand name. Even if your username is slightly different, having a strong display name helps users find you easily. You should also occasionally check if your desired username has become available, the previous owner could have deleted their account, freeing it up.
• Prioritize consistency: Whichever username you choose, secure it on all your other social media platforms. This ensures brand congruency and makes it easier for your followers to find you anywhere.

Final Thoughts

Securing your ideal Instagram username can be a real challenge, but understanding the rules is the first step to success. While the only official path forward is a trademark infringement claim, direct diplomacy can sometimes work wonders. If both of those are off the table, the best strategy is often embracing a creative alternative that allows your brand to stand out.

While a great username is an essential first move, the real work lies in building a strong, consistent brand organically. That’s where tools can make a real difference for your workflow. At Postbase, we focused on building a simple, modern social media platform for how people actually grow their brand today. Seeing your entire schedule on one clear visual calendar and publishing video content to Reels and TikTok without formatting headaches allows you to stay consistent - which is what helps your content get discovered, no matter which username you eventually land on.