Ok, so here’s the scenario: You’re setting up your business’s social media profiles. Instagram is crucial for your brand’s strategy. But then, as you’re typing in your ideal Instagram username, a frustrating message appears: This username isn’t available. Please choose another.
Someone else has already claimed it. This is a social media emergency.
While you could go for a close variation of your brand name, you might also want to try claiming the desired username from its current owner. If the latter sounds like your best option, here’s what you can try, keeping in mind Instagram’s current rules and guidelines. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
But, wait — why is your IG username important? First, it’s the anchor of your Instagram profile and people will notice. But otherwise, consider these reasons.
First Impressions Count
Your Instagram handle is the first thing people see when they come across your profile. A memorable, clean, and brand-aligned username gives a sense of professionalism and makes it easier for people to find and recognize you. It helps with brand recall and ensures consistency across your online presence, especially if you’re active on multiple platforms.
If your business is called “GreenBean Coffee,” but your handle is something like @coffeelover1992, it might confuse users or make it harder for them to connect your handle to your actual brand. Something simple like @GreenBeanCoffee keeps it clear, recognizable, and directly linked to your business.
Searchability and Discoverability
Your handle affects how easily people can find you. If your Instagram username is too complicated, filled with numbers, random characters, or words that are difficult to spell, it becomes harder for people to type it correctly when searching for you. A handle like @best_cafe2024-coffeeLovers is more difficult to remember or search for than @BestCafe.
A simple, intuitive handle that closely mirrors your brand name makes it more likely that potential followers will find you when they search. This is especially important for businesses trying to grow their follower base or increase brand awareness.
Consistency Builds Trust
When your Instagram handle matches your brand name, it sends a signal of professionalism. Consistency across your social media handles and website URL also helps you build credibility. If your handle is @BestCafe on Instagram, but your Facebook or website name is wildly different, like www.bestcoffeeloversNY.com, it can be confusing for your audience. Consistency boosts trust, making your brand feel cohesive and well-managed.
While a great Instagram handle is helpful, it doesn’t guarantee success on its own. Content, engagement, and interaction matter more in the long run. A good handle can open the door, but what really drives follower growth and brand loyalty is the value you bring through your posts, Stories, and interactions.
How to Claim a Taken Instagram Username
First off, it’s important to acknowledge that there are over 1.4 billion Instagram users globally, including millions of businesses. So, it’s no surprise that your Instagram username is already taken.
Instagram follows a first-come, first-served policy, meaning usernames are generally claimed by whoever gets there first. However, depending on the situation, there are a few steps you can take to try to claim a username, though success isn’t guaranteed. Here’s how to approach it:
Ask the Current Owner to Change Their Username
The simplest approach is often direct communication. If the username is actively being used by another person or business, you can try sending them a polite message explaining your situation. Here’s an example DM you could send:
Subject: Request Regarding Instagram Handle @USERNAME
Hi there,
I noticed you’re using the Instagram handle [@USERNAME]. I represent [YOUR BUSINESS NAME], and we’d love to use this handle as it aligns with our brand across other social platforms. Would you be open to switching to a different handle? We’d really appreciate your help and are open to discussing options that work for both sides.
Thanks so much for considering this!
Best,
[YOUR NAME]
This can work if the person is not too attached to the username, especially if they don’t use it regularly or if it’s not critical to their identity or brand.
Offer to Buy the Username (But Tread Carefully)
If asking politely doesn’t work, you could consider offering to buy the username from the current owner. Instagram explicitly prohibits the buying, selling, or transferring of usernames (as well as entire accounts). Their terms of service state:
“You can’t sell, license, or purchase any account or data obtained from us or our Service. This includes attempts to buy, sell, or transfer any aspect of your account (including your username)…”
While buying usernames has been done, and some have succeeded, it’s technically against Instagram’s rules. If you’re caught doing it, there’s a risk of your account being banned or penalized, so proceed with caution. You don’t want to wind up banned before you even get the party started.
Report the Username to Instagram if the Account is Inactive
If the username you want is attached to an inactive account — meaning there are no recent posts or activity — you can try reporting it to Instagram. There’s no official “inactive account” policy for username transfer, but Instagram does occasionally review and release inactive handles. Here’s how to craft a request to Instagram:
Subject: Request to Release Inactive Instagram Username @USERNAME
Hello Instagram Team,
I’d like to inquire about the possibility of transferring the Instagram username @USERNAME from an inactive account to my business account. The account has been inactive since [DATE], and we would like to use the username to align with our business branding across platforms.
Please let us know if this can be done, and thank you for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
This approach has worked for some users, especially when accounts have been dormant for a long time, but it’s not guaranteed.
File a Trademark Report
If your business name is trademarked and another account is using it, you might be able to file a trademark infringement report to Instagram. This is particularly relevant if someone is impersonating your brand or using your name inappropriately. You can file a claim through Instagram’s trademark violation form.
Be ready to provide documentation that proves you own the rights to the name, such as:
- Your trademark registration
- Your business’s website and other social profiles
- Proof that the existing Instagram account is using your brand name unfairly
Instagram will review the claim and make a decision, although the process can take time.
When All Else Fails: Adjust Your Username
If none of these methods work, you may have to settle for a variation of your desired Instagram username. Here are some suggestions to help you stay as close to your brand identity as possible:
- Add punctuation (e.g., @brand_name or @brand.name)
- Use underscores or dashes (e.g., @brand_name_)
- Add a descriptor (e.g., @brandshop or @brandco)
- Use abbreviations (e.g., @brndco)
Checking the availability of Instagram usernames in advance can help you find the best variation of your brand name without running into issues later.
Don’t Stress Too Much About the Perfect Handle
While it’s always ideal to have a consistent handle across all your social platforms, don’t stress if you can’t get the exact username you wanted on Instagram. Focus instead on delivering valuable content, building community, and engaging with your followers. A great handle helps, but it’s your content and interaction with users that ultimately matter most.
As long as your audience can easily recognize your brand and engage with your posts, you’ll still be able to build a strong presence — even if your Instagram handle isn’t 100% perfect.
