Your Instagram username, or handle, identifies your brand and content across the platform. With over 2 billion monthly active users on Instagram, standing out from the crowd with a creative, memorable username is key.
Choosing an effective, strategic username makes it easier for people to find you and remember your account. It can even convey information about your niche or content focus at first glance.
Here are some reasons why putting thought into your Instagram username is worth it:
- It’s often the first thing people notice and remember about your brand.
- A unique username makes it easier for followers to mention and tag you.
- Short, simple usernames with a clear focus work best.
- Consistent usernames build recognition across social profiles.
- Your handle should match your brand identity and image.
Keep reading for tips to brainstorm and evaluate potential Instagram usernames as well as 60 creative username examples in various niches.
How to Choose a Good Instagram Username
A strategic, brand-appropriate, memorable yet simple username does not happen by accident. Put thought into brainstorming and crafting your Instagram handle.
Here is a step-by-step process to choose your username:
- Brainstorm keywords related to your niche, name, business, and content focus. Common username formats include:
- Your name or business name
- A pun or play on words
- Your niche, hobby, or interests
- Check username availability by trying potential usernames on Instagram.
- Shorten options to find simple, readable usernames without numbers/characters.
- Cross-check handles to avoid duplicates on other major platforms like Twitter or YouTube.
- Choose 3-5 final contenders and sleep on your favorites before deciding!
Keep your target audience, brand image, and username memorability in mind through this process.
Tips for username ideas:
- Simplicity is key — aim for a name people can remember and spell.
- Use recognizable keywords related to your niche when possible.
- Originality stands out — add flair through alliteration, rhymes, puns.
- Consistency with your other social handles boosts brand recognition.
- Check that abbreviations and slang words translate well internationally.
- Ensure any username alignments to individuals, brands or groups are ethical.
Review those tips and the examples below when brainstorming your creative username options.
60 Creative Username Ideas for Every Niche
To spark username ideas for your brand or interests, browse these creative name examples organized by niche.
Lifestyle + Hobbies
@nourish_journey – Health coach
@LensLoves – Photographer
@kiwisandcampfires – Outdoors fan
@bookish.in.brooklyn – Book reviewer
Photography + Art
@RaysofLight – Photographer
@BrushWithColor – Artist
@TheChromaStudio – Painting tutor
@through.the.viewfinder – Film photography
Fashion + Beauty
@StyledByTia – Fashion influencer
@CatEyeQueen – Makeup artist
@CurlBoss – Natural hair
@iamoneclassychic – Blogger
Food
@bakedwlove – Home baker
@spicesnknives – Chef
@hungryinhollywood – Restaurant reviewer
@CoffeeAndMornings – Barista
Business, Career, + Finance
@WomenWhoMoney – Financial educator
@careerclimb – Job coach
@socialmediagenius – Marketing pro
@CorpFitChick – Business lifestyle blogger
Family + Motherhood
@thiswildhome – Lifestyle parent
@motherwild – Mom blogger
@modernmomprobs – Humor parenting
@raisinglittlegremlins – Mom life
Wellness + Fitness
@PeaceOfMindFullness – Meditation coach
@FitFoodieFinds – Nutritionist
@SweatWithSteph – Fitness trainer
@namasteathome – Yoga teacher
Quirky + Humor
@CatNapsAndSnacks
@NetflixBingeQueen
@DogAndBurrito
@punny4yourthoughts
Music + Entertainment
@madameguitar – Musician
@tonedeafinla – Talent scout
@drama_at_the_studio – Actor
@fangirlnerd – Fan account
Motivation + Inspiration
@TodayWillBeRad
@TheZenDen
@TheGratefulGal
@shineonandon
Travel + Adventure
@PassportAndPosies
@Destinationhopper
@offthegridadventures
@TheTravelDuo
School + Campus Life
@PsychMajorAmanda – College student
@campuscoffeeco – On-campus cafe
@sportsandstudies – Student athlete
@KSUClassof2026 – Freshman
Sports & Fitness
@YogisOnTheGo – Traveling yoga teacher
@FitAndForty – Middle aged fitness enthusiast
@TrailRunnersUnite – Trail runner
@LiftAndLiveWell – Weight lifter
Gaming & Entertainment
@PixelAdventurer – Video game streamer
@DungeonsAndCoffee – RPG/fantasy player
@Infinite_Lives – Retro game enthusiast
@TheGamerGal – Gaming blogger
Fashion & Style
@StreetStyleMaven – Street style influencer
@ChicInTheCity – City style follower
@ItsVintageDahlia – Vintage clothing seller
@Wander_Luxe – Travel fashion
Checklist Before Finalizing Your Username
Refer to this checklist before officially changing to your chosen Instagram username:
- Is it searchable and easy to remember?
- Have I checked availability across major platforms?
- Does it align with my niche, content, and brand image?
- Is there branding potential to use it consistently?
- Does it clearly communicate my content focus?
- Is it original and creatively standing out?
Don’t fret if you can’t check every box — just aim for a username you feel comfortable with. You can always rebrand later or maintain consistency by adding your old username as a hashtag temporarily after changing over.
Tips for Changing Your Instagram Username
Once you’ve decided on the perfect username for your brand, you’ll need to officially change it in your Instagram account settings. Here are some tips for seamlessly transitioning usernames:
- Export your profile data to retain tags, mentions, comments, and hashtag analytics related to your old username before changing.
- Download your full profile feed using third party tools to repost under the new handle.
- Inform your followers ahead of time about the upcoming username changeover via Stories, posts captions, etc. Provide the date it will take effect.
- After changing your handle, post actively under the new username to recapture attention and rebuild recognition. Respond to fresh followers too.
- Use a username changing announcement post to spread the word fast. Share why you switched handles as well.
- Temporarily include your old username as a hashtag in captions and elsewhere to keep building connection.
- Set up a linktree or linkinbio redirect from your old username if you’d like to maintain authority.
- Claim the old username on other networks so impersonators don’t steal it.
Changing over to a new Instagram username takes strategy, but it is manageable for brands with a thoughtful approach.
Standing out on Instagram continues becoming more competitive. A creative, memorable yet simple username aligned with your niche gives your account a better chance at thriving over the long run.
Hopefully these ideas sparked inspiration for brainstorming the ideal username for your brand! Let that new handle reflect your unique content and identity through a touch of creativity.