Instagram is leading the social media world! With more than a billion users who love to share stories, videos, and even photos every day. The business industry is rebranding itself by switching to social media for more sales!
Whether you want to rebrand yourself, make your profile number one in a search engine, or simply share an update. It’s a piece of pie to change your name on Instagram!
This blog by Engage Digital covers How to Change Your Display Name on Instagram. What are the key differences between our username and a display name? Some smart tips to carefully analyze the right name for your profile!
Understanding the Difference Between Username and Display Name
Before rebranding yourself or changing your display name over Instagram, it’s necessary to know how the display name varies from username!
Username
Username defines your identity over Instagram. You can see your username at the top right corner of your profile or even in your profile URL. From liking any post to sharing your thoughts over any post, the name that appears refers to your username.
No two accounts can have the same username on Instagram. Thus, there must not be any special characters or spaces in your username as well!
Display Name
As far as the display name is concerned it appears at your profile top and even in the search results. Multiple users can have the same display name. From using capital letters to even emoji, people love to make their display name unique all the time.
If you are thinking of representing yourself as a brand over Instagram, it might be the right take to choose a creative display name.
Why Change Your Display Name?
Now here comes the question we all have been hearing all the time! Why you must change your display name over Instagram:
- Rebranding: Being a content creator or a business owner, you need to update your display name for a better brand reflection.
- Personal Preference: Usually, people shuffle their display names because the current name no longer defines themselves. They want to upgrade their display name to something that suits their personality.
- Increased Discoverability: A clear yet detailed descriptive display name makes it easier for other users on Instagram to find you in the search results.
How to Change Your Display Name on Instagram
Instagram has made it quite easy to change the display name for every user out there. Whether you are using Instagram on a desktop or a mobile phone, it is just a matter of a few minutes. Let’s get to see how to change your display name today!
Step 1: Open Instagram and Go to Your Profile
- Open your Instagram on the desktop or your smartphone. It’s time to log in to your account.
- Click on your profile icon. On mobile, it’s present at the bottom right corner, while on desktop, it’s present at the top right corner of your profile page.
Step 2: Edit Your Profile
- After visiting the profile page, click on the option to edit the profile.
- You will be redirected to the edit profile page here. Whatever changes you want to make to your profile, all can be done here. From changing your display name to your bio and even your profile picture, you can change everything all in one place.
Step 3: Change Your Display Name
- Find the section of your name at the top of your edit profile page.
- Re-enter the new name. Remember, every display name must be up to 30 characters long. From spaces to emojis or even capital letters, you can use anything.
- After entering your display name, Scroll down to submit your display name in the Instagram algorithm.
Step 4: Verify the Change
- It’s time to visit your previous profile page to see how your new display name looks.
- Are you unable to view your display name? Refresh your app to see the updated changes.
Yay! Finally, you have successfully changed your Instagram’s display name.
Tips for Choosing a Great Display Name
A right yet defining display name helps you create a bigger impact on people over Instagram. If you are thinking about how to make yourself stand out over Instagram with billions of users, follow these steps:
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Keep It Relevant
Remember, whatever display name you choose must reflect your personality, brand, or even the content you are sharing on your profile. If you are using Instagram for business setup, use a username that represents your business domain.
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Make It Memorable
A display name must be quite yet easy to remember. Complex words with long phrases are difficult to remember. Simple yet catchy names would stick to anybody’s mind for a long time.
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Use Keywords
Make sure to include the relevant keywords that define your industry or niche in your display name. For instance, if you offer some fitness coaching services, it’s better to use fitness coach in your display name.
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Avoid Overused Words
Generic words are those old yet sludgy used all over social media. From using official to real words would just annoy and take you back in the algorithm. It becomes difficult for other users to find your unique identity on Instagram with these kinds of words as well.
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Be Creative with Emojis
To add a touch of creativity and fun to your display name, try using emojis. But, too many emojis can reward users’ attention to some other pages.
Check for Consistency
Love to switch between different social media accounts on platforms? Make sure your display name should be consistent on every platform. It helps the users to build their own Identity with proper brand recognition.
What to Avoid When Changing Your Display Name
If you have ever changed your display name over any social media platform, make sure to avoid these:
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Changing Too Often
Never try to frequently change your display name. It would confuse your followers. While changing our display name, be sure this one is the right choice for you.
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Using Misleading Information
Whatever display name you are using over Instagram must represent who you are or what you are trying to deliver with your account. Never try to use misleading information. It would harm your visibility on Instagram.
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Violating Instagram’s Policies
If you are making changes to your display name, it must abide by Instagram community guidelines. Never try to use hate speech, impersonate other people, or use offensive language in your display name.
How Often Can You Change Your Display Name?
Over Instagram, there are some restrictions on changing your username. However, with the display name, users can change it as many times as they want. However, if you make too many changes in a short interval, Instagram might restrict your name-changing feature.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Display Name Not Updating
If, after receiving your display name, it does not update to the new one, check your Internet connection. Also, try updating your name from a different device to see whether the issue resolves or not.
- Unable to Save Changes
Sometimes, the display name also remains the same if the character length is more than 30. Or, if you have used some prohibited content, it might be unable to update to the new one.
- Account Locked After Name Change
Rarely, Instagram might have logged your account due to frequent name changes. If this happens, verify your identity through Instagram guidelines and unlock your account timely.
Conclusion
Changing your display name over Instagram is a quick thing anybody can do! With a powerful yet personality-defining display name, people can set themselves stand out over social media platforms.
From appearing more on the search results to resonating your content with your followers, try using display names that are unique, easy to remember and hook you’re audience on the first go. Update your display name now and see how your fan following hikes beyond the limits!